Simple steps that will save energy
December 30, 2008
What can we do to reduce our impact on the environment this year? I know energy is a big part so what do you suggest?
The new year is the perfect time to commit to reducing energy use and your environmental footprint. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Education
— Invest some time researching which energy saving ideas are cost-effective for your home and lifestyle.
“We see customers who invest in technologies without a realistic idea of what their actual savings will be,” said Rick Cantonwine, Clark Public Utilities energy counselor. “A two-person household usually doesn’t do enough laundry to justify the added cost of a high-efficiency washer, but a family with several children does.”
Begin your research on Clark Public Utilities’ Web site or call us to receive appropriate literature.
Lighting
— Turn off the lights when leaving a room.
— Replace incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs that use 75 percent less energy and last as much as 10 times longer. Because CFL bulbs contain tiny amounts of mercury, recycle used bulbs at Clark Public Utilities. Do not toss them in the garbage.
— Install motion detector sensors on outdoor security lights.
Heating and cooling
— For every degree you lower the thermostat in winter (and raise it in summer) you’ll save between 1 percent and 2 percent on your heating and cooling bill.
— If you have zonal electric heat, have the thermostat checked for accuracy.
— Routinely clean filters on heating and cooling systems to keep them operating efficiently.
Appliances
— Have Clark Public Utilities haul off and recycle your old but still working refrigerator or freezer. Older, second refrigerators sitting empty are true energy hogs.
— If your family refrigerator is older, consider buying an Energy Star-qualified model that uses 40 percent less energy than a refrigerator made in 1990. You may qualify for a cash incentive from Clark Public Utilities at participating retailers.
— Turn off electronics, such as the TV, computer and chargers, when they’re not in use. To save every possible watt of energy, unplug those that continue to use electricity to power internal features.
— Plug the computer into a smart power strip surge suppressor that will shut down peripherals such as a printer or monitor when it senses the computer is off.
Buy green, live green
— Spur development of renewable generating resources in the Northwest by participating in Clark Public Utilities’ Green Lights program. With Bonneville Environmental Foundation, we offer 100 kilowatt-hour blocks of Green Lights power for only $1.50 each, in addition to your monthly bill. Bonneville Environmental Foundation uses funds to support more renewable resource development.
