Consumer Information

Product Information - Sources

• AHRI - Air conditioning, Heating, and Refrigeration Institute

  Certified efficiency ratings for residential and commercial heating, and water heating equipment.

• American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy

  Resources for energy-efficient living.

• Appliance411

  Purchase and service information on home appliances.

• Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

  Information to guide consumers through selection, use and care, service and repair of household appliances.

• HousingLink

  This organization distributes low-income housing information for Twin Cities metro-region. Directory of housing searchable by location, housing type, available subsidies and accessibility.

• How's Your Hearing?

  Information on hearing loss and purchase of hearing aids.

• HVAC for Beginners

  Brand ratings of furnaces, air conditioning units, boilers, water heaters and related devices, compiled by former contractors, now turned HVAC consultants.

Price Guides

• Autobytel

  Interactive tools for consumers researching the purchase of a new or used vehicle.

• Cars.com

  Help for everything relating to buying and selling an automobile.

• Kelley Blue Books

  Car values and more.

• NADA Guides.com

  Used vehicle values.

Consumer Protection

• Better Business Bureau of Minnesota

  File and review complaints regarding Minnesota businesses.  Research businesses and non-profits.

• Consumer Reports

  Provides overview information regarding product testing completed by Consumer Reports and the ratings given the products.  Locate more detailed information at your library.

• Credit report

  This central site allows you to request a free credit file disclosure, commonly called a credit report, once every 12 months from each of the nationwide consumer credit reporting companies: Equifax, Experian and TransUnion.

  AnnualCreditReport.com is the official site to help consumers to obtain their free credit report.

• Federal Trade Commission

  Articles on consumer subjects (with subdivisions) to assist you in exercising your consumer rights.  Includes information about how to avoid scams, fraud, and identity theft. 

• Insurance Institute for Highway Safety

  Insurance Institute for Highway Safety presents its statistics on accidents, vehicle safety ratings, crash test results and other safety facts and statistics.

• Minnesota Department of Commerce Consumer Tips

  Important information and resources for Minnesota consumers to file complaints, find enforcement actions, and more.

• National Association of the Remodeling Industry

  Guidelines for hiring contractors, including essential interview questions.

• National Consumers League

  National Consumers League is a private, nonprofit advocacy group representing consumers on marketplace and workplace issues.  Find consumer information regarding Health, Personal Finance, Worker's Rights, Food, Technology, etc.

• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration

  Information is provided regarding purchasing and maintaining a safe vehicle, and safety issues while driving.

• Privacy Rights

  Tips on maintaining privacy and preventing identity theft as well as information on filing privacy complaints.

• U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

  Information regarding the results of product safety testing.  In addition, you may report unsafe products.

• U.S. Food and Drug Administration

  Information on food, drugs, medical devices, biologics (vaccines), animal feed and drugs, cosmetics, and radiation-emitting products.

• What's My Score?

  Information on consumer credit provided by Consumer Action (a non-profit consumer advocacy organization) in partnership with Visa.  Learn more about maintaining a good credit score.

Price Comparisons

• CardTrak.com

  Comparison shop for credit/debit cards.

• Fueleconomy

  Compare the fuel efficiency of different makes, models, and years of cars. Check the price of gasoline in your area. Site also offers mileage tips.

• Nursing Home Compare

  Compares nursing homes in your location according to your selected criteria. Offers explanations of why certain items are important when choosing a nursing home.

• Point.com

  Cell phone, plan, and accessories comparisons for individuals and business.

Product Information - Financial

• Center for Responsible Lending Resources for Consumers

  Credit and lending information for consumers.

• FDIC Consumer News & Information

  Information from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation regarding banks and money.

General Sites

• Consumer Affairs

  Consumer news, recalls and complaints.

• Consumer Protection - USA.gov

  Prevent identity theft; understand credit; be a smart shopper; and much more. An official US government portal. 

• ConsumerSearch

  ConsumerSearch product-review editors pick the best electronics, appliances and services by comparing professional product reviews (like the ones you’d find at Consumer Reports or CNET) with consumer reviews (like those at Amazon.com and Epinions) to separate the top-rated from the duds.

• Publications.USA.gov

  This Federal Citizen Information Center site offers important consumer information and publications to help you make important life decisions.

• Recalls

  Use this website, created by six federal agencies, to obtain the latest recall information, to report a dangerous product, or to learn important safety tips.

Cost of Living

• Consumer Price Indexes

  Presents monthly data on changes in the prices paid by urban consumers for a representative basket of goods and services. 

• Edmunds.com

  New & used vehicle values.

• Sperling's Best Places

  Find your best place to live. Survey helps you determine your criteria, then gives a list of U.S. cities that meet them. Includes climate and crime statistics.