Dynowatt - Energy Conservation Tips

Everyday Conservation Tips from Dynowatt.

Cutting your energy consumption is a guaranteed way to reduce your energy costs and help protect our natural resources. Following are a few things that you can do at work and home to conserve.

Workplace Electronics
Since many electronics are shared, assign one employee or family member to perform an end-of-day shut down of appliances, computers, lighting, etc. Better yet, rotate this job to a different person each week; it's a great way to ensure conservation awareness.

· Use energy-saving features for computers/peripherals during work hours.

· Completely turn off computers/peripherals at the end of the workday.

· Shut down copiers, radios, coffee pots, etc. at the end of the workday.

· Use ink-jet printers; they use 95% less energy than laser printers.

· Unplug recharging adapters for laptops and cell phones once they’re fully charged; this saves energy and is likely to extend the life of your battery.

Kitchen Tips
Whether you have a gourmet kitchen at home or an office kitchenette, review product manuals for detailed information on your particular appliances and electronics.
Preventative inspections and maintenance will help keep them at peak efficiency.

· Keep refrigerator, microwave and oven doors closed.

· Make sure appliance door gaskets and seals are airtight.

· Use energy-saving settings on all appliances.

· Don't keep the refrigerator too cold; 37° - 40° F is recommended for the fresh food area.

· Cover foods in the refrigerator; moisture makes the compressor work harder.

· Set the freezer section to 5° F; remember to regularly defrost.

· Think about what you want before opening the refrigerator/freezer.

· Keep range-top burners/reflectors clean; they will heat more efficiently.

· Cover pans to heat liquids; this heats faster and uses less energy.

· Match the size of the pan to the size of the heating element.

· When possible, use slow cookers/microwaves rather than large ovens.

· Preheat the oven only when required.

· Turn off oven just before cooking is complete; food will continue cooking.

· Cook more than one dish at a time in the oven; plan meals with this in mind.

· Be sure the dishwasher is full before running; do not overload.

· Don’t use the "rinse/hold" dishwasher function for just a few dishes.

· Use the energy-saver drying option on new dishwashers.

· Let dishes air-dry on older dishwashers; prop door open after final rinse.

Lighting
When purchasing new light fixtures, consider their long-term energy efficiency, including the kinds of bulbs they use.

· Turn off lights in unused offices, conference rooms, foyers and hallways.

· Use low-watt bulbs in halls and closets; consider replacing with CFL light bulbs.

· Install indoor timers, photocells, or occupancy sensors when possible.

· Invest in dimmer switches and 3-way lamps for manual lowering.

· Use task lighting on desks and under cabinets rather than whole room lights.

· Use outdoor photocell units or timers so lights turn off automatically.

SMART UPGRADE: Energy Star® Appliances!
New appliances have two price tags: the ticket price and the cost of energy they use over the course of a year. Energy Star-qualified products use 10 - 50% less energy than others.

SMART UPGRADE: Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)!
As incandescent light bulbs burn out, replace them with CFLs. They use about 2/3 less energy, last up to 10 times longer, and produce about 70% less heat than incandescent light bulbs..

Heating & Cooling
Air temperature typically accounts for 45% of your energy cost. You might want to hang a little sign from your thermostat that says:

· Close doors and registers in unoccupied rooms when possible.

· Adjust wall and floor registers for ideal temperature balance each season.

· Vacuum registers to ensure they're clean and free of obstructions.

· Unless you’re using the fireplace, keep the dampers closed.

HOT WINTER TIPS

· The high/low temperatures suggested for an occupied home are 68° and 60° F.

· For an unoccupied home (24+ hours), set the temperature at 55° F.

· Make sure all the storm windows are in place for the season.

· Open south- and west-facing drapes in the day to maximize warmth.

· Close drapes at night to reduce heat loss through windows.

· Flush sump pump system and remove line freeze plugs before winter.

· Decorate your home or office efficiently during the holidays:

· Invest in LED light strings that use little energy.

· Mirror lights with tinsel to multiply the bright effects.

· Unplug the décor each night; use timers if possible.

· Reverse the spin on your ceiling fan for warm air circulation.

· Clean or replace your furnace filter monthly, especially in winter.

COOL SUMMER TIPS

· Set the air conditioner to 78° F when the home is occupied.

· Raise the air conditioner temperature 6 to 8° F when asleep.

· Turn the air conditioner off when you’re away.

· Clean or replace air conditioner filters monthly, especially in summer.

For each degree you nudge the thermostat down in the winter months--or up in the summer months--you can save up to 3% on your bill!

SMART UPGRADE: Storm Windows!
Increase energy efficiency by updating single-pane windows. This will also improve sound

· Use fans or natural ventilation when it’s cooler outside than inside.

· Close south- and west-facing window drapes to reduce solar gain.

Water Heating
Typically, the third largest energy expense in your home's heating water accounts for about 14% of utility costs. Get to know your water heater well.

· Take showers rather than baths; they use less water.

· Use water-saving showerheads and shorten showers when possible.

· When running small amounts of water, use the faucet’s cold knob/position.

· Keep waterbeds made and put an additional insulated blanket on top.

· Wash clothes in warm/cold water; adjust water level for the size of each load.

SMART UPGRADE: Insulated Drapes and Blinds!
These dramatically minimize heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. In particular, consider using fabric honeycomb or "cellular" shades, which block up to 60% of heat transfer through the window.

Maintenance Checklist

Keeping your home and office energy efficient requires ongoing maintenance. The following tasks should be performed at least once a year. Some should be done monthly. Be sure to check the manufacturer's directions for your particular mechanicals.

Energy-Wise Mechanical Systems

· Install a programmable thermostat for automated, timed settings.

· Have furnace or heat pump system professionally inspected; repair as needed.

· Change furnace and heat pump filters monthly.

· Have your air conditioning system professionally inspected; repair as needed.

· Clear debris from air conditioning compressor and ensure a level stance.

· Make sure the air conditioner compressor is in the shade.

· Adjust registers, vents and returns to ensure they are unobstructed.

· Inspect sump pump operation; hire a professional for any repairs.

· Inspect your water heater for leaks or rust; professionally repair as needed.

· Install an insulating blanket on your water heater; it will pay for itself quickly.

· Clear debris and mineral deposits from your water heater regularly.

· Keep water heater temperature to 110-120° F when at home.

· When vacationing, turn the water heater off or set it at the lowest level possible.

Windows, Walls, Doors & More

· Check windows and doors for drafts at least once a year; close gaps and holes with caulking, sealants and weather-stripping.

· Inspect threshold contact and mail chutes; repair as needed for a tight fit to doors.

· Check weather stripping and caulking at baseboards, attic hatches and light fixtures.

· Inspect window glazing; call a professional for repair or replacement.

· Insulate wall outlets and switches, especially those on exterior walls.

· Seal all walls, ceilings and floors where pipes and wires pass through your home.

· Check caulking at all exterior outlets and faucets; repair as needed.

· Make sure all hot water pipes are well-insulated.

· Ensure attic spaces are well insulated; repair as needed.