How Can I Tell An Energy Scam
From the Real Thing?

Q: I see a lot of ads for energy saving devices on the internet and in various newspapers and magazines. Do you have any advice on how to tell what is legitimate and what is phony baloney? - Scared of Scams

A: Dear Scared:

You are smart to be cautious. Con artists selling energy saving devices and services are capitalizing on the "green" environment and are turning up the heat to persuade consumers to buy into their gadget bag of hot air.

As consumers seek ways to save on their overall energy bills, scam artists are roaming the internet, the airwaves and print ads trying to convince people like you that they can save big money on energy bills.

These bunko artists are peddling phony products that range from bogus synthetic fuel company stocks to misleading claims for voltage surge suppressors.

Even legitimate companies are selling big energy savings...but at very big prices. For example, legitimate home improvement firms can indeed save you money in terms of conserving energy. But the payback on many of these will take 20 years or more. If you really want to save money on cooling and heating costs, then you should figure the payback each year then decide if you think it is worth the money.

The easiest way for you to save is to simply turn down the thermostat a few degrees and turn off your appliances, lights and other devices when they are not in use.

The Federal Trade Commission has issued warning letters to a variety of companies it claims were deceiving the public with misleading Internet ads. These ranged from marketers of automotive contraptions and additives to purported energy-savings devices for the home including one selling a "liquid siding" that alleged it was equivalent to seven inches of fiberglass batting insulation and could save up to 40 percent on utility bills. Others were for automotive additives and devices, some claiming to increase gas mileage up to 300 percent. And while surge protectors can protect products from power surges, the Commission challenged claims that they provided any significant energy savings.

If you are an investor on the lookout for stock market bargains you should be very cautious of energy stock tips that usually come pouring in on faxes, emails, or phone calls. Global warning, rising gasoline and fuel oil prices, and instability in the MIddle East has sparked investor interest in energy and alternative energy stocks. But these same factors have fueled a rash of energy-related stock scams.

Those that claim to provide high returns for little risk are usually hyperbole and misrepresentations. Their goal is to pump the stock price up, not to make you money. The con men then dump their shares leaving you with a worthless piece of paper.

Some obvious and simple ways you can reduce your energy bill include:

• Cleaning your furnace and changing its air filter regularly,
• Sealing your windows and doors with caulking and weather strips,
• Installing a programmable thermostat; insulating your water heater,
• Using your dish washer and washing machine only with full loads, and
• Using fluorescent light bulbs instead of incandescent ones.

Thinking of Replacing that Old Rusty Outdoor Grill?
Grilling with Gas may be the Answer

Q: My rusty 10-year-old outdoor grill is beyond repair. Do you have any suggestions about purchasing a new one? - Backyard Chef

A: Dear Chef :

People in the market for a new grill will discover that the choices and the efficiency of grills have vastly improved over the past few years. Size and capacity are important factors but equally important is the material the grill is made of and its fuel source — charcoal, electric or gas.

• Taste: Food cooked on a gas grill will taste no different than that cooked on an electric or charcoal grill and will never have the taste of lighter fluid used to start charcoal grills.

• Ease of Use: With gas grills simply push a button to start, and in 10 minutes or less, it is ready. The others take much longer to achieve the proper temperature. Also, charcoal grills are messy and take longer to clean.

• Material: Stainless steel will last a long time, is relatively easy to clean and is excellent for slow cooking foods such as roasts, chicken, pork, etc.

• Cost: Gas is the most cost effective method. Outdoor cooks can easily spend several dollars on charcoal or watch their electric meter spin, while gas costs about 20 cents a cookout.

Gas grills are also a snap to use in al kinds of weather. I am sure you don't want to stand around in the rain or winds trying light a charcoal grill. Also adjusting the heat on a charcoal grill isn't easy. With gas you just turn a know.

Gas grills can range in price from $150 to $5,000 and can be simply connected to a gas line from the house.

Now that you've made a decision to purchase a new grill you should also take into consideration the number of burners required, the size of the space where the grill will be stored and if the the cook needs a bunch of gadgets that may never be used.