|
How can I begin to make my home more energy efficient?
What can I do to promote water conservation?
How can I make my major appliances more energy efficient (i.e. dishwasher, laundry, refrigerator/freezer)?
Does my computer use a lot of energy? If so, how can I conserve computer energy usage?
What are the benefits of switching to Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) light bulbs?
What is "Phantom Energy" and how does it waste energy?
What if I cannot afford to make my home energy efficient?
How can I begin to make my home more energy efficient?
Energy Efficiency
Adjust thermostat settings.
Implement load management measures.
Use appliances at off-peak times (early morning or late evening).
Clean/or replace heating and air conditioning air filters at least once a month.
Use energy intensive appliances (dryers, washers, dishwashers) in early morning or late evening.
Turn off lights and appliances such as radio and TV when not in use.
Minimize use of nonessential electric labor-saving devices.
Reduce outdoor lighting to essential use only.
Reduce wattage and number of bulbs whenever possible.
Replace less efficient incandescent lights with fluorescent lights.
Air-dry dishes by turning off the dry cycle on the dishwasher.
Clean the condenser coils on the refrigerator.
Avoid frequently opening the refrigerator and freezer doors.
Remove clothes from dryer as soon as dry (don't over dry) or line dry.
Keep the lint screen clean on washers and dryers.
Use oven for several items at a time.
Select the right size burner for the size of the pan.
Avoid using self-cleaning oven.
When cooking on burner, use glass or ceramic pans with tight-fitting lids.
Avoid frequently opening oven door or lifting cooking utensil lids to check cooking progress.
Shade sun-exposed windows and walls to reduce your air-conditioning costs. Use shading methods (like
sun screens, awnings, and trees) wherever possible.
Install programmable thermostats. These devices will change the temperature setting when you are not
home.
Install automatic room-lighting controls that will help optimize lighting use by automatically turning
lights on or off, depending on occupancy or time of day.
What can I do to promote water conservation?
Water (Conservation) Efficiency
Lower the setting on the hot water heater.
Minimize the use of hot water; use cold water where possible.
Install flow restrictors in shower heads to reduce water flow.
Take short showers rather than baths.
Repair leaky faucets.
Run the dishwasher only when full.
How can I make my major appliances more energy efficient?
Dishwasher Tips
Be sure your dishwasher is full, but not overloaded.
Let your dishes air dry; if you don't have an automatic air-dry switch, turn off the control knob
after the final rinse. If needed, prop the door open a little so the dishes will dry faster.
Run your dishwasher during off-peak hours. (Check with your utility company for off-peak hours.)
Laundry Tips
Wash clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents when possible.
Wash and dry full loads. If you are washing a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.
When drying clothes, use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the residual
heat in the dryer.
When possible hang clothes out to dry.
Do your laundry during off-peak hours. (Check with your utility company for off-peak hours.)
Refrigerator/Freezer Energy Tips
Don't keep refrigerators or freezers too cold. Recommended temperatures are 37° to 40°F for
the fresh food compartment and 5°F for the freezer section.
Cover liquids and wrap foods stored in the refrigerator. Uncovered foods release moisture and make
your refrigerator work harder.
Separate freezers should be kept at 0°F.
Keep freezer full of ice when not full of food. An empty freezer cost more to run than a full one.
Does my computer use a lot of energy? If so, how can I conserve computer energy usage?
Computers
Saving power in 20 seconds is a simple step every computer owner can do. Simply activate the ENERGY STAR® saver on your PC.
Steps: (For a Windows® based PC:
1. Click on My Computer
2. Click on Control Panel
3. Click on Power Management
4. Set monitor turn-off time (15 minutes recommended). This will shut your monitor off after the set
time, saving 75 watts of electricity. To reactivate the monitor, move your mouse or hit any key. Your monitor will power back on.
5. Set system standby time (30 minutes recommended). This will put the rest of your system on standby
after the set time, saving approximately 80 watts. To reactivate the system, move your mouse or hit any key. Your system will power back on after
15 to 30 seconds. Check to ensure that your computer will not lose network connection in standby mode. If you are unsure, only set the monitor turn
off time.
You Should Know...
General: By leaving the machine on around the clock, you run up your electric bill, more dust is drawn into the machine and you make your computer
more vulnerable to power surges. An ENERGY STAR® label is not a guarantee that your machine is saving energy. Always make sure that the ENERGY
STAR® features are enabled.
Computers: A well-designed ENERGY STAR® labeled computer will not lose its network connection, which could lead to a loss of data, while in the
low-power or sleep mode. Most computers manufactured today include the capability to sleep intelligently on a network. Effective July 1, 1999, ENERGY
STAR® specifications require all computers with network capability to sleep on networks and to respond to computer requests to reactivate.
Screen Savers: Despite common belief, a screen saver does not save energy. In fact, more often than not, a screen saver will not only draw power
for the monitor but will also keep the computer from shutting down.
Individually, the energy saved by using these settings may be small, but when you consider the number
of computers that are now used at work and home, the total effect can be enormous.
What are the benefits of switching to Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) light bulbs?
Compact Fluorescent Lighting (CFL) vs. Incandescent Lighting
Incandescent lamps are the most common lighting source in U.S., but they waste the most energy.
Ninety percent of the energy consumed by incandescent lamps is given off as heat rather than visible
light.
Incandescent last for about 750 hours, CFLs 10,000 hours.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs are the most efficient light bulbs available today.
CFLs are about 75 percent cooler
What is "Phantom Energy" and how does it waste energy?
"Phantom Energy" Adds to Electric Bills
While Arizonans are going "green," becoming more mindful of recycling, reusing grocery bags, cutting fuel use and switching to more energy-saving
appliances and other products, "phantom energy" may take tiny bits of energy from electric outlets in their homes and offices.
According to the Arizona Department of Commerce's Energy Office, they are known as "phantom"
loads, and may include electrical cords for appliances, device chargers, electronics and other items left plugged in that sap energy, even if they
are turned off or not in use. The most likely culprits are appliances that power clocks or timers and/or can be turned on or off with a remote control.
"Phantom" loads are estimated to account for 10% of household power-consumption.
The solution is simple:
Unplug products that are rarely used. The best example is the television and VCR in the second guest room.
Use a power strip with a switch to control clusters of products. The most likely targets are computer clusters (PC, display, printer, scanner,
speakers, wireless transmitter, etc.), video clusters (TV, DVD player, powered speakers, game consoles, etc.), audio clusters (receiver, amplifier,
CD players, etc.). Be sure to keep the set-top box and modem on a separate circuit to avoid loss of connection.
Buy low-standby products. This sounds like reasonable advice, but it's nearly impossible to follow
because few products list their standby power use. Most Energy Star endorsed products have lower standby.
What if I cannot afford to make my home energy efficient?
10 No Cost Energy-Saving Tips
1. Switch off dishwasher dry cycle.
2. Run dishwashers just before bedtime and unload the next day to help shave peak demand.
3. Do laundry later in the evening to help shave peak demand.
4. Use cold-water cycle for more clothes.
5. Clean air filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation or line-dry clothes in place of clothes.
6. Lower hot water temperature if you never experience hot water shortages.
7. Unplug infrequently used televisions and DVD Players.
8. Shorten pumping cycle on pool and shift to off-peak time.
9. Close drapes or blinds in unoccupied rooms, keeping the heat in during winter and the hot sun out in summer.
10. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.
(Source: Arizona Department of Commerce, azcommerce.com)
|
Arizona
Appliance Council ::
Arizona Electric Council
:: Arizona
Energy Managment Council ::
Arizona Evaporative Council