2009 Energy Tip #2

Let the sunshine in! Keep blinds and curtains open during the day to let the sun shine in and naturally heat up your home. At night, close the blinds, shades and curtains to help keep the heat in rather than allowing it to escape through a window.

2009 Energy Tip #1

If saving money was one of your new year’s resolutions, we have recommendations to not only help you save dollars but save energy too.

Over the next twelve months, Extension educators will be posting tips that you can implement in your home for little or no money that will help you reduce your carbon footprint and save money on your utility bills.

Cooperative Extension will also be offering Save Energy, Save Dollars workshops in the community (link to upcoming class on this page). Each participant receives a home weatherization kit (value $15) and tips they can use in their home or rental unit to reduce energy costs.

So start the new year off on a bright note. Consider changing your incandescent light bulbs to the energy saving compact fluorescents (CFL). CFL’s use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. They are available in a variety of sizes for your indoor and outdoor needs. Look for Energy Star rated bulbs for the highest quality bulbs on the market.

Weatherize Your Home - Caulk and Weather Strip-PDF

10/5/08 - 10/11/08 Tip #2:

You can save energy and money by replacing or cleaning your forced air furnace’s air filters on a monthly basis. Dirty air filters impede the efficiency of the furnace by restricting air flow. This causes your fan to work harder and the furnace to work longer.

Guidelines suggest that oil furnaces are professionally serviced every year and natural gas furnaces every two years. Regular tune-ups and filter changes will keep your furnace running efficiently.

Source: New York State Energy Research and Development Authority

10/12/08 - 10/18/08 Tip #3:

Water heating accounts for about 13% of a home’s total energy bill. You can take steps to reduce this cost by doing the following:

-Lower the thermostat in the tank to 120°;

-Install aerating, low flow faucets in showers and sinks;

-Fix water leaks;

-Take shorter showers; and

-Use the cold water rinse when washing clothes.

Source: U.S. Department of Energy

10/19/08 - 10/25/08 Energy Tip #4

If you heat your home with oil, natural gas or propane, consider when you cozy up to a traditional wood burning fireplace, it is a big energy drain.

To enjoy a crackling fire, consider doing the following:

-Open damper under the fire box (if provided);
-Open a window in the room about 1 inch and close all doors leading to the room;
-Lower the house thermostat to 55°;
-Install glass doors and a heat exchange system that blows the warm air back into the room; and
-Always close the fireplace damper when the fireplace is not in use.

Taking these simple steps will allow you to enjoy the warmth of a fire and reduce the energy losses.

Source: U. S. Department of Energy

10/26/08 - 11/1/08 Energy Tip #5
Is there a Vampire lurking in your house?

Vampire energy is a type of energy used by things that consume electricity 24 hours a day, even when they are turned off or not being used. TVs, VCRs, DVD players, computers, printers, stereos, microwaves, coffee makers, rechargeable power tools, etc. are the everyday secret users of vampire energy.

According to energy experts, Vampire energy adds about 20 percent to your family’s energy bill each month!

What can you do? Plug your electronics into power strips so that you can power them down in one quick turn off until you are ready to use them again. Also, if you are not going to be using your computer for a while and don’t want to shut it down, simply turn off your monitor. Screen savers do not reduce the amount of energy.

So don’t let energy vampires suck the energy from your home!

11/2/08 - 11/8/08 Energy Tip #6

During each 24-hour period, a homeowner/renter can save 3% on a heating bill for every 1° that the thermostat setting is lowered. For example, if the thermostat is kept at 72° all the time and it is lowered by 3° to 69°, the homeowner/renter will save 9% (3° X 3%) on the heating bill. In other words, a savings of 9 cents for every dollar spent. Savings can be increased with each degree the heat is lowered. Consider putting on a sweater or an extra blanket on the bed at night to help keep warm. (Please consider health and age when applying this tip. People who are elderly or in poor health may need the extra warmth of their heating source.)

11/9/08 - 11/15/08 Energy Tip #7
Use portable space heaters with caution. Not only do they increase your energy costs, they can pose a safety hazard when not used properly. All types of portable electric heaters will deliver the exact same amount of heat per watt of electricity consumed. So don’t get caught up in the advertisements for the next new “miracle heater” with “revolutionary technology.” Make an informed decision based on your needs. Read more about portable space heaters and not getting zapped by misinformation in the Home Energy Articles in the next column.

11/16/08 - 11/22/08 Energy Tip # 8
Getting ready to take a car trip this holiday season? Save money on gas by replacing clogged air filters. Replacing air filters improves gas mileage by 10% and it also protects the car’s engine.

Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy