Ames Electric Department
Energy Tips
The
following are some tips on reducing your energy consumption. For
more information, or if you would like to discuss any energy issue, please
call Steve Wilson at 515-239-5177 or send him an e-mail.
HEATING
- Clean or replace filters
regularly on gas furnaces and electric heat pumps; keep the outside
units free from leaves or debris that may clog vents. Clean, free
flowing air is necessary for efficient combustion in the furnace and
proper heat exchange for the heat pump.
- Program a clock
thermostat for automatic energy savings. Try 68° F during the day,
and 60° F at night while you sleep.
- Seal ducts so heat
gets where you want it to go.
- Close your blinds and
drapes at night in the winter to keep the cold out. Open them in the
daytime if you can gain heat from the sun.
- If you plan to buy a new
furnace, select an energy-efficient unit. Your contractor has energy
fact sheets for each model; ask for them and compare energy usage. All
gas furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating.
The higher the AFUE, the more efficient.
- Keep your heating system
well tuned with periodic maintenance by a professional service person.
- Keep your fireplace
damper closed, unless you have a fire going. An open damper in a
48-inch square fireplace can allow a heat loss of up to 8 percent
through the chimney.
- When your heating system
is on, keep windows near your thermostat tightly closed. Unnecessary
drafts will keep your furnace working after the rest of the room has
reached a comfortable temperature.
- Keep warm air registers
clean and free of obstructions, such as furniture, carpets and
drapes.
- You can save 1%-2% on
your energy bills by using foam gaskets on all exterior outlets and
switches.
- You can save 2%-5% of
the energy needed to heat your water by installing an insulated water
heater jacket.
- Water saving
showerheads, faucet aerators, hot water pipe insulation and a hot
water temperature reduction can save up to 50% on water heating
energy.
- Air leakage can account
for 30%-40% of your heating bill. The average American home loses
$150 worth of energy per year through air leaks in its ceiling, walls
and foundation. Caulk, weather strip and plug any holes to the
outside.
- A 5° set back on your
thermostat can save up to 12% of your heating.
- Don’t forget to seal
and insulate your room air conditioner if you leave it for the winter.
- Only use bathroom and
range hood fans when necessary. They create a suction that pulls in
outdoor air.
- Drain a bucket of water
out of your water heater at least once a year to reduce sediment and
help with efficient operation. It is important to allow proper heat
transfer to the water. Sediment will reduce this transfer and lower
efficiency.
COOLING
- Clean or replace filters
regularly. Clean, free flowing air is necessary for efficient
operation.
- You can save 1%-2% on
your energy bills by using foam gaskets on all exterior outlets and
switches.
- The average American
home loses $150 worth of energy per year through air leaks in its
ceiling, walls and foundation.
- Adding insulation to
your home can cut your cooling costs up to 25%.
- A 5° set ahead on your
thermostat can save up to 10% of your cooling energy.
- Clean your outdoor
compressor unit each spring, and make sure it is not blocked with
debris.
- Seal ducts so more cool
air gets where you want it to go.
- Try running your air
conditioner in the morning to clear humidity. It will make you
more comfortable and may save you energy later in the day.
- Keep your registers free
of obstructions such as furniture, rugs and drapes so your cool air
can do its job.
- Close your blinds and
drapes to block out the heating rays of the sun.
- If you plan to buy a new
air conditioner, select an energy-efficient unit. Your contractor has
energy fact sheets for each model; ask for them and compare energy
usage. All air conditioners have a seasonal energy efficiency rating
(SEER). The higher the SEER, the more efficient.
- Keep your cooling system
well tuned with periodic maintenance by a professional service person.
BUILDING ENVELOPE
- Caulk and weather-strip
doors and windows that leak air.
- Look for air leaks
through openings where plumbing, electrical wiring, or cables go
through walls, floors and ceilings. Check for drafts from electrical
outlets, around ceiling fixtures, and at openings to the attic. Seal
cracks and holes that you find. Avoid using fiberglass insulation to
plug holes. Fiberglass allows air to pass. Use foam or caulk.
- Windows and doors
account for about 15% of home air leakage. Holes into the attic and
the top of the foundation are the largest sources.
- Adding insulation to
your home can cut your heating and cooling costs up to 45%. Adequate
insulation will keep your home warmer in the winter and cooler in the
summer. It pays to insulate your attic if you currently have a level
of 6" or less. Raise it to 12"-14".
- Don't let cold air seep
into your home through the attic access door. Check the door to make
sure it is well insulated and weather-stripped.
- When shopping for
windows, use the energy performance labels developed by the National
Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) -- many windows on the market carry
them -- as your guide to selecting energy-efficient units. Look for
double pane argon gas filled windows or better.
HOME ENERGY AUDITS
- Conduct a simple
do-it-yourself energy audit of your home or office to pinpoint where
energy is being lost. Perform an on-line energy audit for information
on how your building performs and the impact of making changes. Call
your utility company, go to http://hes.lbl.gov
for an audit, or visit www.iamu.org/main/energy/resident.htm.
APPLIANCES
- Keep burner reflectors,
burner tips and bottoms of pans clean to assure maximum range
efficiency.
- Use only the minimum
amount of water necessary when cooking food. Use pressure cookers when
possible.
- Match pan size to burner
size and cover pans with lids when possible.
- Run only full loads when
cleaning dishes or washing clothes.
- Try cold water for
washing. Today’s detergents work effectively in cold water. Always
rinse in cold water. Warm water rinsing does not get clothes any
cleaner.
- Select the correct water
level for wash loads. Don’t overfill.
- Use a dishwasher booster
heater and turn your water heater temperature down.
- Clean dryer lint filters
after each load.
- Dry clothes outside
whenever possible.
LIGHTING
- Turn lights off if you are
not using them.
- Replace your
incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFB). A
15 watt CFB provides as much light as a 60 watt incandescent bulb and
saves you 75%.
- Use task lighting rather
than lighting up an entire room.
- Light room colors allow
you to get more use out of less light.
- Make use of natural day
lighting whenever possible.
- Keep your exterior
lights on a timer or a motion sensor rather then keeping them on all
night.
- Use occupancy sensors to
automatically turn your lights on when someone enters a room.
The lights will go out when the room is empty.
GENERAL
- Heating and cooling
account for 44% of your energy dollars.
- Lighting and kitchen
appliances account for 33% of your energy dollars.
- Water heating accounts
for 14% of your energy dollars.
- Refrigeration accounts
for 9% of your energy dollars.
- Always look for the
Energy Guide on new appliances. Buy EnergyStar® models to save.
- Appoint an energy
manager in your home. Help children learn to become energy conscious.
EDUCATION
- Keep yourself informed
on efficiency and how to manage your energy year round. Avoid only
thinking about energy at crisis times. Developing good energy
management habits will help improve the environment, contribute to
keeping rates low, lower energy bills, and improve personal comfort.
Watch for information on
Power Watch from the City of Ames Electric
Services.
- Call Steve Wilson at
515-239-517 or e-mail him
with
questions.