Conservation Tips Videos

Let energy guru David Mars show you ways to save energy and water in short video segments on a number of topics. Many of his tips are easy, do-it-yourself projects that don’t cost a lot of money but keep your utility bills low.

Windows and Doors

Window Glazing, June 15, 2009, 06 min, 16sec

Energy guy Dave Mars demonstrates strategies for keeping your windows sealed to stop the summer heat from entering your home.

Weatherizing Windows, November 15, 2008, 5 min
Windows let in a lot of light, saving money on your light bill. During the winter, they can also let in a lot of cold air, raising your utility bill. Weather stripping wiz, Dave Mars, shows how weatherizing your windows can lead to lower utility bills.

Weatherizing Your Door, September 15, 2008, 5 min
The Fissure King, Dave Mars of the City of Columbia's Water and Light Department tells you all about keeping outdoor air and indoor air on the appropriate sides of your door.

Reflective Window Film, August 15, 2008, 5 min
Discover an inexpensive way to keep the sun's hot solar rays out of your home with the City of Columbia's Water & Light energy swami, David Mars. He walks you through applying reflective window film to your storm windows and saves you money.

Storm Door Reflective Film, August 1, 2006, 5 min 43 sec
Apply reflective film to the glass of a storm door to reduce heat buildup during the summer.

Sand Snake, December 21, 2005, 6 min 2 sec
Make a sand snake to insulate a door threshold.

Appliances

Refrigerator Efficiency , Dec 15, 2009,08min 02sec
Dave Mars provides some energy saving tips on your refrigerator.

Refrigerator Efficiency, Dec 15, 2009, 08min 02sec

Dave Mars provides some energy saving tips on your refrigerator.

Water Heater Insulation Blanket, September 15, 2009, 06min 05sec

Dave Mars shows you how to insulate an electric or gas water heater to save energy and money.

Preventing Phantom Power Loss, May 15, 2009, 04min 49sec

Household electronics can add to your utility costs even when they are not in use. Energy guy Dave Mars shows you how to protect your home from phantom power loss.

Refrigerator Efficiency, May 15, 2006, 6 min 46 sec
Check out a full load of tips that increase your refrigerator's energy efficiency and save money in the long run.

Solar Water Heating System, May 1, 2006, 3 min 30 sec
Install a passive or active solar water heating system to save money during your daily routine.

Heating and Cooling

Balanced Air Flow, August 15, 2009, 06min 23sec

In this episode, Dave describes the importance of balanced air flow in a heating and cooling system. Making sure your vents are working properly and preventing leaks in ducts will help save money and energy.

Summer Cooling Tips, July 15, 2009, 05min 43sec

This episode of Conservation Tips is all about staying cool and saving money this summer on your energy bills. David Mars offers several ideas on how to keep your cooling system working properly. David also mentions small things you can do around the house to conserve energy.

Heat Pump Operation, March 15, 2009, 3 min 38 sec
A heat pump is an excellent way to keep your home energy efficient. Dave Mars shows you how a heat pump can add warmth and savings to your energy bills.

Energy Efficient Winter Lifestyles, February 1, 2009, 6 min 36 sec
You don't have to be uncomfortable to lower your heating bills. Dave Mars shows you how to save money this winter without spending money.

Heating with Humidity, January 15, 2009, 5 min
Using a humidifier, during the winter season, can make your home more efficient and comfortable. Dave Mars explains how humid air can help heat your home this winter.

Window Air Conditioner Installation, June 15, 2008, 6 min
Once again, the City of Columbia's own energy guru, David Mars is helping you save money. He walks you through installing a window air conditioner and securely insulating the unit.

Summer Efficiency Suggestions, August 1, 2007, 2 min 22 sec
Learn easy ways to change your lifestyle to stay cool and save money this summer on your electric bill.

Air Conditioner Exchange, May 14, 2007, 2 min 30 sec
Columbia Water and Light's window air conditioner exchange program for low-income customers is highlighted in this video.

Window Air Conditioner, July 15, 2006, 4 min 17 sec
A window air conditioner unit can cool more efficiently through careful use of sealant and insulation.

Electric Space Heaters, April 1, 2006, 3 min 59 sec
Electric space heaters help you keep warm in Spring and Fall without the expense of heating the whole house.

Heat Pump, February 15, 2006, 2 min 5 sec
Seasonal heating and cooling can be made more energy efficient through the use of a heat pump.

Cold Air Return, January 12, 2006, 5 min 56 sec
Install a cold air return in your basement to assist heating in winter and cooling of upper floors during summer months.

Insulation/Reducing Air Infiltration

Conservation Tips: Foundation Insulation, Jul 15, 2010, 06min 46sec
Columbia Water and Light's Dave Mars shows home owners how to better insulate foundations.

Conservation Tips: Door Weather Stripping, May 15, 2010, 05min 12sec

The Fissure King, Dave Mars of the City of Columbia's Water and Light Department tells you all about keeping outdoor air and indoor air on the appropriate sides of your door.

Conservation Tips: Pipe Insulation, Feb 15, 2010, 08min 23sec
Dave Mars shows home owners how to properly insulate water pipes and where they enter the house to prevent freezing in the winter months.

Pipe Insulation, Feb 15, 2010, 08min 23sec

Dave Mars shows home owners how to properly insulate water pipes to prevent freezing in the winter months.

Water Heater Insulation Blanket , Sep 15, 2009, 06min 05sec

Dave Mars shows you how to insulate an electric or gas water heater to save energy and money.

Garage Door Interior Insulation, Nov 15, 2009, 09min 43sec

Dave Mars shows how you can insulate the inside of your garage door to help save energy and money.

Garage Door Weather Seals, Oct 15, 2009 ,05min 10sec

In this episode Dave Mars shows how to better insulate your garage door to help save energy and money.

Exterior Wall Insulation, January 15, 2008, 4 min 15 sec
Adequate insulation is an important part of an energy efficient home. Join the Energy Guy as he goes through the steps of having insulation blown into a Columbia home.

Weather Seals, December 1, 2007, 7 min 28 sec
Making a trip to the hardware store for weatherization materials? The energy guy reviews the products available and where they will come in handy.

Reducing Air Infiltration, November 15, 2007, 4 min 50 sec
Learn where to look for air infiltration spots outside your home and how to seal them.

Air Infiltration Tips, October 1, 2006, 5 min 2 sec
David Mars points out different areas in the home where air could be leaking in and how to get the most efficiency out of your heating and cooling system.

Lighting

Compact Fluorescent Bulb, September 1, 2006, 5 min 19 sec
Compact fluorescent light bulbs screw into existing fixtures and consume less energy with a reduction in radiated heat.

Skylights and Sun Pipes, March 15, 2006, 5 min 3 sec
Fill your house with sunshine and reduce lighting costs by installing a skylight or sun pipe.

Sun room, March 1, 2006, 6 min 28 sec
Ease home energy requirements and complement your lifestyle by adding a sun room to your residence.

Moisture Control

Conservation Tips: Dehumidifiers , Jun 15, 2010, 05min 53sec
Columbia Water and Light's David Mars informs viewers about dehumidifiers and the importance of maintenance to keep humidity levels low in your home.

Proper Storm water Drainage, April 15, 2009, 05min 24sec

Dave Mars, King of Conservation Tips, illustrates how good home storm water drainage can not only prevent structural damage to your home’s foundation, but can also save on your utility costs.

Dehumidifiers, October 15, 2008, 4 min
By taking moisture out of the air, a dehumidifier can protect your home from mold and bacteria build up. Dave Mars explains how a dehumidifier works and how to use its features.

Air Humidifiers, January 15, 2006, 5 min 32 sec
A look at different types of air humidifiers, which can increase home comfort and reduce your heating bill.

Saving Water

Conservation Tips: Toilet Hardware ,Apr 15, 2010, 07min 08sec
Learn how you can make your toilet more efficient and save money on your water bill.

Preventing Toilet Leaks, April 11, 2007, 7 min 33 sec
Tips for preventing toilet leaks.

Moisture Control for Plants, July 1, 2006, 6 min 16 sec
Economical and creative moisture control for plants can involve window air conditioner drain water, mulch ground cover, garden hose valves and watering timers.

Keeping a Green Lawn, June 1, 2006, 3 min 55 sec
Keeping your lawn alive without spending a fortune on water involves the type of grass, contour of the land and soil porosity.

Fixing a Leaky Faucet, February 1, 2006, 4 min 46 sec
Conserve water and save money by fixing that leaky faucet.

Specialty/Miscellaneous

Conservation Tips: Office Energy Savings, Mar 15, 2010, 06min 12sec
Dave Mars shows you how to conserve energy in the work place.

Fireplace Insert, December 15, 2008, 9 min 53 sec
An open chimney flue can lead to major heat loss in your home. Dave Mars explains how a fireplace insert can keep your fireplace energy efficient this winter.

Holiday Lights, December 1, 2008, 5 min 35 sec
Learn how to save money this holiday season. Energy guy, Dave Mars, shows you how to calculate the cost of your holiday light display.

Energy Saving Gadgets, May 15, 2008, 4 min
With the prices of utilities rising, saving energy means saving money. Columbia Water and Light's own resident energy expert David Mars knows of a few gadgets that can help you line your pockets.

Shade Trees, April 15, 2006, 4 min 26 sec
Plant a shade tree as part of your energy conservation scheme. Through Tree Power, Columbia Water and Light offers free trees to its customers.

Conserve Columbia, February 1, 2006, 9 min 10 sec
Columbia Water and Light offers energy conservation programs that save money and increase comfort in your business or at home.

Utility Energy Efficiency Programs

Home Performance With Energy Star, February 1, 2009, 8 min 38 sec
Is your home energy efficient? Columbia Water and Light now offers the Home Performance with Energy Star program. Learn how you can get involved with this program to save money on your utility bills.

Load Management Program, April 15, 2008, 3 min
David Mars wants you to stay cool and save 3% on utility bills this summer and he's going to tell you how to do it with Columbia Water and Light's load management program.

Tree Power, March 15, 2008, 5 min
Tree Power promotes energy conservation through energy-efficient landscaping. Columbia Water and Light offers free shade trees to help you save money on your utility bills. David Mars explains how and why the program works.

Home Performance with Energy Star, February 15, 2008, 2 min 33 sec
Before you start expensive upgrades to your house, consider a systematic approach with Home Performance with Energy Star and the City of Columbia. Find out how we can help you make your home more energy efficient and save you money!

Compact Fluorescent Bulb Rebate, October 1, 2007, 5 min 8 sec
Columbia Water and Light offers a rebate program each fall to encourage the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs. These bulbs use up to 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs and come in many shapes and colors to meet your lighting needs.

New Air Conditioner Rebate, June 15, 2007, 2 min 27 sec
Overview of the Columbia Water and Light Energy Efficiency Rebate for new air conditioning systems.

Lighting Incentive Program, June 1, 2007, 2 min 11 sec
Commercial customers, like Boone Hospital Center, can take advantage of Columbia Water and Light's lighting incentive program which helps fund energy efficient lighting projects.