|
Energy Saving Tips
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the typical U.S.
family spends approximately $1,500 a year on their home’s
energy costs which includes energy sources of electricity,
natural gas, propane, and others. Southern Montana Electric
Generation & Transmission member/consumers enjoy one
of the lowest rates in the country; however, energy costs
are a significant household expense. The Department of Energy
reports that a large portion of the energy purchased is wasted.
Utilizing a few inexpensive, energy- efficient measures,
you can reduce your energy bills by 10 to 50 percent.
The information provided below will allow you to determine
how easy it is to reduce your home’s energy use. This
easy to use guide provides practical solutions for saving
energy throughout your home.
No-Cost Tips
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in
use. Don't forget your computer - it can use as much energy
as a refrigerator. Most new computers have "sleep" settings
which can be activated or modified by the owner.
- In the cold months, set the thermostat to
68 degrees when home, and then back to 58 degrees when
sleeping or when you're away from home for more than four
hours.
- In the winter, open window coverings
on the sunny side of your home to take advantage of "free
heat from the sun." Close the coverings on cloudy
days or right after the sun sets.
- In warm months, set the thermostat to 78-
80 degrees when at home and 5-10 degrees warmer at night
or when you're not home.
- In the cooling season, close blinds and drapes
during the day to keep heat out.
- Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath
and in the back) and don't obstruct the coils. They need
air space to work correctly.
- Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators
and freezers clean.
- Keep your freezer as full as possible. You
can place containers or plastic bottles filled with water
in the empty spaces.
More No-Cost Tips
- Make sure food is cool and covered before
it goes into the refrigerator.
- Run full loads in your washer and dryer,
and use "solar drying (clotheslines).
- Use the energy saver option on your dishwasher,
allowing dishes to air dry.
- Keep the area around your A/C unit clean
and free of obstructions to maintain air flow.
- Unplug your television/VCR when you're on
vacation. Most new sets draw power even when they're turned
off.
- Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean,
especially if you're reducing the number of lights you
use. Dirt absorbs light. Let light fixtures cool before
cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs with your bare
hands.
The oil from your skin can damage the bulbs. Use
a small piece of paper to hold the bulb.
- Clean the reflectors underneath the heating
elements on stovetops.
- Set your water heater to 120°.
- Also, use your dishwasher, clothes washer
and dryer, and cook as late in the evening as possible
during the summer period when the outside temperature is
cooler.
- Barbecue outside if practical. Reducing the
heat entering or generated within your home from any source
will reduce the load on your air conditioning.
Low-Cost Tips
- Use compact fluorescent bulbs instead of
incandescent ones. This will save you money for each bulb
changed and will reduce the amount of heat generated in
your home.
- Clean your furnace system and check ducts
for leaks.
- Caulk windows and caulk and weather-strip
doors. Keep the outside air out and the inside air in.
- Install a water heater blanket but be careful
not to cover the thermostat.
- Install hot water pipe insulation.
- Install electrical outlet and switch plate
insulation.
- Plant trees and shrubs on the south and west
side of your residence. The vegetation provides shade,
which will reduce thermal gain in your home from the direct
sunlight.
- Repair leaky faucets.
- Install low-flow shower-heads.
- Use room fans to keep the air moving and
reduce the feeling of heat in your home.
- Replace your furnace and air conditioner
filters every 30 days.
- Check the seals on your refrigerator and
freezer.
- Replace thermostats with programmable ones.
Added-Cost tips
- Install floor and ceiling
insulation: A minimum of R-30
to R-38 insulation in the attic and R19 insulation in the
sub-floor is recommended.
- Replace inefficient and single pane windows
with energy efficient multi-pane windows.
- Replace appliances with energy efficient
types. All appliances contain an Energy Guide
Label
that describes the
efficiency of the appliance and the expected annual
cost to operate. An appliance more than ten
years
old
is not
likely
to be energy efficient.
- Service your heating and air conditioning
systems once a year, replacing them if necessary.
- Test and seal the ductwork. Not only does
this improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling
system, it makes the house more comfortable.
- Install ceiling fans in all the bedrooms
and family room. They provide comfort
while allowing you to save money by adjusting your thermostat
respectively.
- Add window screens or window films to reduce
the amount of solar energy entering your home.
|
