Conserve Energy and Water Resources
Ways to immediately help you save on your electric, natural gas and water usage
Adding a whole house fan to your home can give you "cool" savings by reducing your central air conditioning use. Warm air will be drawn out through your attic and be replaced with cooler outdoor air, decreasing the need for air conditioning. If you install a whole house fan, it is important to have enough attic ventilation to allow a large flow of air to move through the attic. Also, in the winter, be sure to seal the fan opening to the attic with either an insulated cover or polyethylene sheet. (Attic fan, ERV)
Raise Your Air Conditoner Thermostat Setting
Raise Your Air Conditoner Thermostat Setting
Raise the thermostat setting of your central air conditioner and save on cooling costs. We suggest that you keep your cooling thermostat set at 78 degrees to achieve the above savings.
If your water heater is over ten years old, it may soon need replacing. When looking for a new water heater, be sure to check the EnergyGuide label to help you select the most efficient water heater for your money. Look for a high "Energy Factor" (EF) rating of .62 or greater. It may cost a little more up front, but it costs less to use, so you'll save in the long run. The Gas Company is offering a rebate
Installing low flow showerheads can save you 7 458 gallons of water every year as well as the energy required to heat the water. (low flow aerators, low flow toilets, sloan valve)
Caulking and weatherstripping is not limited to windows and doors. As much as 80 percent of outside air infiltration enters through places where two different outside materials meet. Examples of such places include where the wooden sill of the house meets the foundation, where dryer vents and fan covers pass through the wall, where plumbing pipes and telephone wires enter the house, and around electric outlets on outside walls. Look for these cracks on the interior and exterior of your house and fill them with caulk. For electrical outlets, either caulk around the electrical box or install a rubber gasket behind the cover plate. Use only caulking compounds which are flexible over large temperature ranges and that will last for many years. Check the manufacturer's label for the best type of caulk.
Cleaning your air conditioner filter monthly helps your unit run better, as does an annual tune up. Shading windows with eastern, southern, and especially western exposures can help reduce unwanted heat gain. It is also good to keep your drapes or blinds closed on these windows during the day. Appliances such as dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers give off heat, so try to avoid their use during the hottest times of the day. If you decide it is time to replace your existing air conditioning unit, choose the most energy-efficient model you can. (multi stage furnace and condenser)
Consider using ENERGY STARR labeled compact fluorescent bulbs. An 18-watt compact fluorescent bulb will give you the same amount of light as a 75-watt incandescent at 25% of the operating cost. ENERGY STARR labeled compact fluorescent bulbs also last ten times longer than incandescent bulbs. You can also reduce your lighting usage with automatic timers that switch interior lights on and off at preset times. Timers will discourage intruders while using less energy than leaving lights on all night. (LED, Photo cell, occupancy sensors)
Your security lighting does not need to be on continually to be effective. There are three good options for reducing costs while maintaining security. Motion sensors turn the security lights on when motion is detected and turn them off again after no motion has been detected for a preset period of time, usually about 15 minutes. An automatic photoelectric cell or "electric eye" is another option for your security lighting; it will automatically turn your lights on at dusk and off at dawn. A simple timer is also effective in reducing security lighting hours by automatically switching lights on and off at preset times. (motion sensor)
You may want to replace it with an energy efficient pool pump motor system, either two-speed or variable-speed. Energy efficient pool pump and motors are usually interchangeable with standard motors. New motor design improvements and construction materials have made them more energy efficient - manufacturers use more copper to reduce electrical losses and better magnetic materials to lessen mechanical losses. These upgrades often result in longer life as well as increased efficiency. (cover pool when not in use)
Act now and save cash while saving energy. By enrolling in our free program, you could reduce your electric bill by up to $200* this summer. Simply pick one of our three plans for controlling your air conditioning usage during peak periods and lock in savings. Visit the Summer Discount Plan
Dry full loads, but don't overload. Separate lightweight and heavy clothes for more energy-efficient drying. Clean the lint filter before every load to ensure reduced airflow does not increase drying time. Take advantage of warm, dry days by line-drying clothes instead of using your dryer.
Sealing leaky ducts can save 5% to 20% of your heating costs. If you suspect an air duct problem have a contractor check for crushed, disconnected, or leaky ducts. Ducts should be repaired with mastic-type sealant, not duct tape. Consider getting your ducts cleaned. This will increase the air flow and minimize contaminants released by your duct system. (insulate the ducts and hot water pipes)
Keep your heating system tuned up, just like you would a car. For peak operating efficiency, clean and change furnace filters according to manufacturer recommendations. Turn your furnace off when no one is home. Loose-fitting windows and doors will lose hot or cool air through cracks around the edges. Sealing these edges with caulk and weather-stripping will keep heat and cold air where they belong. These easy practices can save $$$ and energy.
If you don't already use a pool cover, consider the following benefits: pool covers help keep your pool temperature warm and constant by trapping the sun's rays to heat the water; covers also reduce the amount of water and chemicals that you will use in your pool a three-fold benefit of reduced energy, water, and chemical costs. And lastly, a well-fitted pool cover helps prevent heat loss resulting in pool heating energy savings of up to 50%.
By replacing your range with a new pilotless gas range, you can reduce the gas needed for cooking. This also keeps your kitchen cooler and prevents pilot light outages caused by drafts and other disturbances. Cooking Tip: Adjusting top burner flames to fit your pan size can also help reduce your energy needs. (use outdoor grill during the summer)
Consider using an insulated spa cover. It will keep the heat in when the spa is not in use and can help lower your energy bill.
No comments:
Post a Comment