Some energy-saving tips

Forty-five percent of a typical energy bill goes for heating and cooling, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Here are three tips to save money:

•Install a programmable thermostat, at a cost of about $30, and use it to automatically adjust your home’s temperature while you’re at work. “You can save around 10 percent a year on your air conditioning and heating bills by adjusting your thermostat 10 to 15 degrees for only eight hours a day,” said Chris Kielich, a DOE spokesperson.

•Install light-colored blinds on the windows and keep them pulled during the day. The light color reflects heat outside, keeping the air cooler inside.

•Check windows, doors and, vents and outlets for energy leaks. Seal the openings with calk, insulation or weather-stripping.

More tips are available at www.eere.energy

GM to offer used-car warranty

General Motors, suffering through sluggish sales, said it will offer a one-year/12,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty on used cars. The guarantee applies to all GM Certified Used Vehicles from Buick, Chevrolet, GMC and Pontiac sold in the United States going back to the 2003 model year. Saturn used vehicles will get the same warranty. GM said the program, which begins Sept. 13, will help bolster sales and residual values of its cars and trucks. The warranty will cover any vehicle defect outside normal wear and tear.

Chocolate prices may rise again

Chocolate lovers should prepare for a price hike, again. Hershey Co. last week raised wholesale prices, this time nearly 10 percent, to offset rising raw material and fuel costs. “Market prices for ingredients such as cocoa, corn sweeteners, sugar and peanuts are up 20 percent to 45 percent since the beginning of the year,” said David J. West, president and chief executive of Hershey. The wholesale price hike is expected to cause price increases at the consumer level, but there have been no specific prices set for candy bars or other chocolate products. Hershey in January raised prices by an average 13 percent on one-third of its domestic confectionary line after the chocolate and candy maker reported plunging profit in the fourth quarter and issued a weak 2008 forecast.

American to offer Internet access

American Airlines has begun selling wireless Internet service on some of its cross-country flights. The service costs $12.95 a flight. American is offering access through Aircell LLC on 15 Boeing Co. 767-200 jets that make 25 daily flights between New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport and Los Angeles or San Francisco and between New York and Miami. Southwest Airlines and Delta Airlines plan to have wireless service by late this year and next year, respectively.