Tips For Using Energy Wisely

If you have been keeping an eye on what is happening at both national and state levels, you may have noticed that the focus today is not on whether climate change is a problem, but what should be done about it and when. Although technologies for renewable energy are progressing, it is important to understand that …

Energy efficiency is the cheapest, fastest, and safest way for each of us to reduce energy consumption.

Here are some steps you can take to help reduce power usage, save money on your electric bill and improve the comfort level of your home during the heating season:

Replace furnace or heat pump filters regularly.
• Have your heating and cooling system checked annually by a professional.
• Caulk and weather-strip all leaky windows, baseboards, and doors.
• Caulk and weatherproof all exterior openings that need to be sealed, including plumbing and electrical services.
• Install weather-stripping and caulking on doors, windows and other openings to stop air leakage.
• Seal all attic vents and ducts.
• Install draft-stoppers behind electric outlets and switches.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated (ceiling, walls, and floors).
• Consider increasing the insulation level in attic and walls
• Don't depend on thermostat settings; go by your own comfort. Keep the temperature where you are comfortable while wearing a light sweater.
• For every degree you lower your thermostat setting, you save 1% of your heating costs. Heat pumps require special thermostats for automatic temperature setbacks.
• When the house is cold, don't "overset" the thermostat for temperature recovery. The house won't heat any faster.
• Keep drapes and shades open in sunny windows; close them at night.
• Be sure the heated air flow is not restricted by furniture, carpeting, or drapes.
• Keep fireplace dampers closed when not in use. Glass doors are recommended.
• Keep foundation vents closed during cold weather.
• Use portable electric space heaters safely.
• Use storm windows or plastic covers on windows in winter.
• Seal off window air conditioners and swamp coolers in the winter.
• Keep wall and baseboard heaters clean and free of debris

• Buy high efficiency water heaters. They use 10% less energy.
•  Check the hot water temperature with a thermometer at the faucet closest to the water heater. The general recommendation for water heater temperature is 120°F. Older dishwashers may require 140°F.
• Insulate water heaters unless prohibited by manufacturer's instructions. Follow directions on the insulation kit.

• A programmable thermostat can save you up to $100 annually when programmed and used properly.
• Compact fluorescents (CFL’s) use two-thirds less electricity and last ten times longer than traditional light bulbs and fixtures.
• Low flow showerheads – and taking showers rather than baths – use less hot water.

While over 95% of OPALCO’s electricity is generated from non-carbon producing sources, this issue remains important to all of us. OPALCO is asking everyone to be aware of their energy usage. If you are having a problem figuring out where that energy hog is hiding in your home, call OPALCO’s Energy Services Department at 376-3571 to set up a free energy audit or receive more energy efficiency information. The Internet is also a great resource for ideas on saving energy (try http://www.ase.org/section/_audience/consumers, http://www.energyideas.org, http://www.eere.energy.gov).

Remember – OPALCO is a member owned and operated cooperative. We’re all in this together, and we all have a responsibility to be as energy efficient as possible.