Inexpensive ways to save energy costs

May 12, 2009

What can I do to reduce my energy bills this summer without spending a lot of money?

Reducing your energy use needn't cost a lot of money. Some energy-savers are free, while others are quite inexpensive.

Here is a rundown of what you can do:

Home cooling: Like in winter, conditioning your home in summer is the largest energy user if you operate a heat pump or air conditioner. If you have either, be sure it is operating at optimum efficiency by having it tuned up. A tune-up is relatively inexpensive and will ensure it's operating as designed. This will extend its life expectancy, too. Also be sure filters are clean and the outside unit is free of leaves and debris.

In summer set the thermostat to at least 78 degrees, or as warm as is comfortable. The higher the setting, the more energy you'll save. Open windows to create a draft when temperatures are cooler outside the home. Use room or ceiling fans when possible to minimize the use of air conditioners.

Drapes, blinds or awnings will cut the heat gain into your home. The Department of Energy estimates that sunny windows can make an air conditioner work two to three times harder. Close blinds in the early part of the day and open them when it's cooler.

Water use: Water heating is typically the second largest energy user in the home. You'll save money by setting the water heater's thermostats to 120 degrees. (There are almost always two thermostats in a water heater.) This temperature is plenty hot.

Take five-minute showers to use less hot water and wash clothes in cold water.

Fill the sink if you hand wash dishes; do not wash them under running water.

Fix all leaks and drips immediately or you'll be wasting water and the energy needed to heat it.

Other tips to save: During summer the less heat generated inside the home, the less you'll have to cool it. So think twice before using heat-generating appliances, such as the oven. Instead, use a crock pot or microwave or fire up the barbecue and cook outdoors.

• Install compact fluorescent light bulbs, especially in fixtures that are on for extended periods.
• Dry clothes outdoors to reduce use of the clothes dryer.
  
• Run only full loads in the dishwasher during the cooler part of the day or at night and use the air-dry feature.
  
• Unplug all battery chargers once done charging, otherwise you're wasting energy.
  
• Set the temperature of your refrigerator between 37 degrees and 40 degrees and the freezer at zero. Unplug that spare, unused refrigerator and call Clark Public Utilities to recycle it for free.