Saving money on energy is a daily decision

Energy-saving tips help cool rising costs


Energy consumption and higher prices are headlining the news again.

Consider:

• The U.S. burns more energy per capita than any nation on Earth, including one quarter of the world’s oil, coal and natural gas output.

• Today’s households use about one-fifth of the primary energy consumed annually in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s “Tips for Energy Savers” pamphlet.

• Each year, Americans pay almost $100 billion in home energy bills for heating, cooling, refrigeration, cooking and other conveniences and amenities such as home entertainment.

Here’s the breakdown in costs for home energy use in the U.S.:

• 46 percent for heating and cooling the home.

• 15 percent for heating water.

• 15 percent for refrigerators and freezers.

• 24 percent for lighting, cooking and other appliances.

Now is not the time of the year to look at ways to cut home heating bills. You’ve probably paid your last big bill for the winter season.

So, here are U.S. Department of Energy suggestions for cooling energy savers as you uncover and test your dormant air conditioning system:

• When using air conditioning, set the thermostat as high as possible. The recommended temperature for reasonable comfort and energy efficiency is 78 degrees F.

• Set the air conditioner fan speed on high except in very humid weather. Set it low when it’s humid. Less cooling will occur but more moisture will be removed.

• Clean or replace air conditioning filters once a month.

• Use a fan with window air conditioners to spread the cooled air without increasing power use.

• Don’t place lamps or TV sets near the air conditioner thermostat. Heat from these appliances is sensed by the thermostat and could cause the air conditioner to run longer than necessary.

• Keep out the daytime sun with outside awnings or drawing draperies, blinds and shades indoors.

• Keep lights low or off.

• Use vents and exhaust fans to pull heat and moisture from the attic, kitchen and laundry directly to the outside.

According to our federal government’s Energy Department, if every household raised air-conditioning temperatures 6 degrees, we’d save the equivalent of 190,000 barrels of oil every day.

Here’s suggestions for saving energy when using refrigerators, washing machines, dish washers, ovens and dryers:

• Use energy-intensive appliances in the early morning or late evening hours to help reduce peak load energy use.

• Make sure the refrigerator door seals are airtight. Test them by closing the door over a piece of paper or a dollar bill with half in and half out. If the paper or dollar bill can be pulled out easily, the latch may need adjustment or the seal may need to be replaced.

• Wash most clothes in warm or cold water.

• Do not overload clothes dryer.

• Keep the dryer lint screen clean.

• Separate drying loads into heavy and lightweight items.

• Use a clothes line.

The easiest way to save energy in the home is lowering lighting levels, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.

Don’t use more light than you need. In fact, turn off lights in any room not being used.

• Consider using compact fluorescent lamps instead of the incandescent bulb for home lighting. Although more expensive than incandescent bulbs, CFLs use about a quarter as much electricity and pay for themselves in lower utility bills.

Turning off one outdoor gas lamp will save $40 to $50 a year in natural gas.