eCurrents

Weatherproofing Is the Most Effective Choice for Comfort & Savings

Weatherization is almost always the most cost-effective way to reduce your home energy costs and keep your home at your preferred temperature all year long. Plus, Clark Public Utilities offers rebates that can lower the costs of those investments.

Weatherization means adding insulation and sealing leaks. The right amount of insulation helps keep your living spaces cooler longer in the summer, and warmer longer in the winter. Most homes built before the 1990s often lack the insulation of newer homes.

Older homes also often have little cracks around light fixtures, doors and windows that allow outside air in, constantly wasting energy in the process. Alone they might not seem like much but collectively the energy wasted can equal an open window.

These are projects that a handy DIYer can handle but a professional can spot opportunities most people would overlook. Consider having one of our Energy Counselors come to your home for a free Home Energy Review. They can help spot areas to address and can share with you what rebates may be available to you. You can also contact the utility’s Energy Counselors during business hours at 360-992-3355 or at [email protected].

Keep Ladder Safety Above All

Make a plan before moving or standing up a ladder outdoors and be aware of the location of every overhead power line, wire or cable. Assume every overhead line is electrified and anything in contact could be actively conducting electricity.

Only use a nonconductive fiberglass ladder around power lines. Don’t use metal or wood. Set up where the distance to the nearest overhead line is at least twice the length of the ladder itself, never less than 10 feet, and always lower ladders before moving to avoid accidental contact with overhead electric equipment.

Easy Ways to Stay Cool on a Hot Day

With a little planning and some small changes to daily routines, your home can feel more comfortable in warm weather, without wasting energy. Here’s how:

Pre-cooling. Open the windows in the early mornings, evenings, or overnight (if it’s safe) then shut them and the blinds before the day heats up. A box fan or two in windows can help accelerate the process. Running an air conditioner in the late morning or during cooler evening hours will have a similar effect.

Avoid the stove and oven when cooking. Appliances generate a lot of extra heat and will increase the temperature of your living space quickly. Stay cool by cooking outdoors or use less heat-intensive appliances. Air fryers and toaster ovens are great alternatives, so are cold-prep meals.
Hang laundry. Hanging laundry cuts energy use and helps keep indoor spaces cool. Plus, it’s gentler on clothing.

Set the AC to “auto.” Air conditioners and heat pumps can only get about 20-degrees cooler than the outdoor temperature. Setting the thermostat any lower and cranking up the power will make the machine work harder and cost more without an added benefit. Instead, set the temperature to as high as is comfortable and leave it on “auto.” That balances comfort and efficiency by telling the machine to run only when needed.

Enjoy the fan-fare. With just a fraction of the power, ceiling and room fans can be just as effective at cooling you off. To maintain a breeze and feel more comfortable at a lower cost, choose fans first!

Fuel Mix

Under the fuel mix disclosure law, RCW 19.29A, Washington utilities are required to report the sources of power used to serve customers, as collected by the Department of Commerce annually. The most recent published data is for the year 2024:
* “Market” is a mix of wholesale market purchases from unspecified generation sources.

Hydro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42.46%
Natural Gas. . . . . . . . . . . . 28.75%
Nuclear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7.03%
Wind . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3.21%
Market* . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .18.55%