Published: February 16, 2007 05:28 pm            

Save energy, lower your utility bill in simple ways

Insulation, energy-efficient windows, weather stripping and caulking, and high-efficiency heating equipment are obvious and effective means of saving energy, improving comfort and lowering your utility bill.

But there are lots of small steps, some just everyday habits to acquire, that you can take to combat soaring bills and help save the earth. Following are some measures that will give you a head start.

— Wrap the water heater with an insulating blanket: Most new water heaters have sufficient insulation built into the walls to minimize heat loss. However, older water heaters lose a significant amount of energy as heat escapes through the walls of the tank.

If your tank is warm to the touch, you would benefit by having the tank wrapped with an insulation blanket.

A couple of cautions to keep in mind: Never cover the pressure and temperature relief valve, or associated piping, with insulation. Note, too, that the warranty for certain water-heater models can become void if the unit is wrapped with insulation. Check the owner’s manual, look for a warning label on the tank or contact the manufacturer.

— Install low-flow shower heads: Energy-efficient shower heads have been required in new and remodeled homes since 1994. A good-quality, low-flow shower head will save a substantial amount of water and the energy used to heat it, without sacrificing the feel of a traditional shower.

— Take shorter showers: While installing a low-flow shower head can be a big energy saver and lower your utility bill, you can also increase your savings by taking shorter showers.

— Maintain your water heater regularly: Regularly scheduled maintenance will not only save energy, it will also extend the heater’s useful life.

Perhaps the best thing you can do for your water heater is to flush sediment (which collects at the base of the tank) at least once annually. Sediment is your tank’s biggest enemy. It serves as a breeding ground for odor-causing bacteria; it prevents gas burners from doing an efficient job; and it hastens tank deterioration. Refer to the owner’s manual, check with the manufacturer or contact a service professional for information on how to safely flush your water heater.

— Insulate hot-water pipes: If your pipes are hot to the touch, then heat is being lost. Insulating hot-water pipes will reduce heat loss and your utility bill. And you won’t have to wait as long for hot water to arrive at the tap. That means less wasted water, and more savings on water and sewer bills.

— Wash full loads of dishes when possible and air-dry dishes: Unless you have a modern dishwasher that will allow “compartmentalized cleaning” using a special cycle, your automatic dishwasher consumes the same amount of energy regardless of how many dishes are being washed. Running full loads reduces energy consumption, by reducing the total number of loads washed. Save energy by turning off the drying heater and letting your dishes air-dry. It will take longer, but the dishes will dry just as well.

— Dry full loads of clothes when possible: You can save energy by doing this, and keeping your dryer’s lint filter and exhaust duct clean will also pay energy saving dividends.

— Turn off your computers overnight: Computers use energy when they’re left on all the time. Computers and monitors qualify for an Energy Star rating if they can enter a low-energy “sleep” mode when not in use. If your computer has this feature make sure that it is enabled.

(Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy whose aim is to help people “save money and protect the environment through energy-efficient products and practices.” For more information, visit www.energystar.gov.)

Screen savers are effective in preserving the monitor but they don’t save energy. The best way to preserve the monitor and save energy is to turn it off.

— Avoid heating unoccupied areas: Closing heat registers in rooms that are rarely used can reduce energy use. But keep in mind that closing more than one heat register can restrict air flow and damage your furnace. When in doubt, check with a professional heating contractor. Consider installing a “zoned” heating system that will heat only the space you occupy.

— Seal leaks and insulate your air ducts: As heating systems age, leaks can develop in the ducts. Many duct systems are leaky even when newly installed. Inspect ductwork for loose joints and/or peeling duct tape. Silicone caulk or mastic are more durable alternatives to duct tape.

Most homes contain large portions of duct work that are hard to access. If this is the case in your home, consider hiring a heating pro to do the job for you.

— Maintain your refrigerator regularly: Proper maintenance will save energy — and extend the useful life of your refrigerator. Brush and vacuum the coils of your refrigerator at least twice a year. Check the door gaskets by placing the end of a dollar bill against the door seal and then closing the door. If you can easily pull out the dollar bill, the seal needs to be replaced. You can get a replacement seal from most appliance parts and supplies stores.

Caution: Before doing either of these tasks, unplug your refrigerator to avoid electric shock and possible damage to the refrigerator.

More home improvement tips and information are available on the Web at www.onthehouse.com or by calling (800) 737-2474, Ext. 59.

        

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