ENERGY TIPS:
Save Money,
Save Our Planet
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, when we look at our place in the World we see that the U.S. uses one-third of the World’s paper, 25 percent of the oil, 23 percent of the coal, 27 percent of the aluminum, and 19 percent of the copper--we represent just 5 percent of the World’s population. The typical American discards nearly a ton of trash per person per year. This is two to three times as much as the typical Western European throws away.
To reduce our current and future gasoline costs and dependence on foreign oil, Americans must reduce oil consumption by driving more fuel efficient vehicles more carefully such as better maintenance and trip planning. If new cars purchased nationally get 10 mpg more than the old ones, over a five year period, national average gasoline consumption would be reduced by about one million barrels per day. (Consumer Federation of America, “A Blueprint for Energy Security…”, May 2006)
Consumers can save a considerable amount of energy at home if they make their homes more energy efficient. For example, compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) use one-quarter of the energy it takes an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light. CFLs also last about 10 times longer than regular bulbs and same consumers money. Energy Star qualified appliances use 10--50% less energy and water than standard models and save money on utility bills. Most homes and businesses can be 20 percent more energy-efficient if owners install better appliances, lights, insulation, and heating and air conditioning systems. These changes can save money and avoid the need for new power plants. (InterfaithPowerandLight.org).
Don’t forget to stay involved and contact your elected officials. What we can do as individuals makes a big difference; but, we won’t be able to realize the substantial national energy savings that are possible or to prevent the serious consequences of global warming without government action.
The following are some of the actions that we as consumers can do to save energy and money:
Buy the most fuel-efficient car that meets your needs, also carpool and combine trips.
Try to opt for bicycles, mass transit, and other lifestyle changes if possible.
If feasible, purchase your next home near mass transit line to reduce or eliminate auto travel.
Consider replacing your refrigerator if it is over 10 years old.
Choose a power company offering renewable energy.
Purchase household consumer electric appliances that are efficient such as “Energy Star.”
Landscape with trees when possible.
Participate in consumer recycling efforts.
Eat less meat and buy from local farmers when possible.
Join and support a local organization working on a critical issue related to transportation, sprawling development, air or water quality, or energy use.
Use fluorescent light bulbs.
When you get a new dishwasher the new energy star-qualified dishwashers typically use 40 percent less water and 25 percent less energy than non-qualified appliances, according to the Dept. of Energy Savings: $25 per year if you are replacing a dishwasher manufactured before 1994 with an Energy Star dishwasher.
Consider a solar hot water system. With the federal energy tax credit, available in 2006 and next year, you can get 30 percent off a solar hot water system--which costs about $3,5000 installed. Savings: $500 the first year and increase over time according to the California Energy Commission.
For cooling, the recommended thermostat setting is 78 degrees or higher. In the winter, set the thermostat to 68 degrees or lower.
The use of fans, ceiling type or oscillating, along with your air conditioner will allow you to feel more comfortable at a higher temperature in summer.
For every degree you can raise the thermostat, you will save 6% on your cooling cost.
Use fans in occupied rooms only--they cool people not houses.
Shade the south and west windows to keep the hot sun out. Use exterior shading from trees, shrubs, or use awnings or shutters. Keeping the drapes or blinds closed will also help lower cooling costs.
Set the water heater thermostats to 120 degrees (upper) and 110 degrees (lower) if not using a dishwasher and 140 degrees (upper) and 130 degrees (lower) if using a dishwasher that does not have its own temperature or water temperature boost.
Be careful to set thermostats properly--0-10 F degrees in freezers and 35--45 F degrees in refrigerators.
When possible, keep your refrigerator/freezer full (add ice if necessary); it works more efficiently.
Keep the dryer’s lint filter clean. A dirty filter increases drying time. Inspect the vent hose for potential blockage or restrictions.
Use hot water only when necessary.
Set the water heater thermostats to 120 degrees (lower) with dishwasher.
Check hot water lines and faucets for leaks. A leaky faucet will result in money down the drain.
To save energy when using an electric stove, cook in covered pots and pans.
Try to bake several foods at one time. Don’t be an “oven peeker.” You can lose up to 25 degrees each time you open the oven door.
Self--cleaning ranges conserve electricity because they have added insulation.
Don’t open and close the refrigerator or freezer door more than necessary.
Replace worn gaskets so doors seal tightly.
Dust coils regularly to keep refrigerators from “working overtime.”
Use the washer and dryer with full loads only. Use cold water when possible.
Turn off all unnecessary lights.
Use lower wattage bulbs for decorative lighting.
Fluorescent lighting is cooler and more efficient than incandescent.
For night lighting or when you are gone for an extended period of time, use clock timers or photo-electric cells that turn lights on and off automatically. (From: Lakelandelectric.com/yourhome/tips/auditchecklists.html)
Use weather-stripping around doors and windows.
Obtain a faucet aerator.
Use a low flow showerhead.
Insulate your outside water pipes.
Get an electrostatic furnace filter.
Seal heating and cooling ducts.
Have regular furnace and air conditioning inspections and tune-up’s.
Make sure your ceiling/floor insulation is adequate.
Keep fireplace dampers and house doors closed when not in use. (From: Users.California.com/~positiveenergy.org)