Georgia Magazine - July 2011 - (Page 15)

Georgia’s energy outlook BY HEATHER TEILHET, GOVERNMENT RELATIONS REPRESENTATIVE, GEMC I Energy management and conservation—Part I 3. Reduce your water heater thermostat and repair leaky faucets and pipes. 4. Replace incandescent bulbs with fluorescent lighting. Fluorescent lights provide more light and emit less heat. Bryan says homeowners who want greater energy savings should concentrate their efforts on the three biggest energy users: heating, cooling and water-heating systems. These appliances represent up to 64.4 percent of a family’s monthly energy bill. To determine where to start, some homeowners use an online guide such as a home energy analyzer, for instance: www.togetherwesave.com. A home energy audit can help you assess Others prefer a do-it-yourself how much energy your home uses and audit kit provided by their local elec- evaluate what measures you can take to tric membership cooperative (EMC). improve efficiency. EMCs will also perform an in-home audit such as JEMC’s Home Per- • Invest in new equipment. Old formance with Energy Star audit, a heat pumps have to work harder to computerized evaluation of a home’s keep homes cool. A new Energy Star model is more efficient. thermal envelope. These tips and more detailed inBryan says after an in-home audit, JEMC often recommends im- formation on home energy efficiency provements to ductwork, insulation can be found by calling or visiting your local EMC’s website. and aging equipment: Next month, this series will ex• Seal ductwork. Leaky ductwork often accounts for 30 percent of total amine Georgia’s potential for largescale energy conservation. heating and cooling costs. Sealing leaks and straightening restricted ducts will Breakdown of energy use from an average maximize air delivery. family’s home and appliances • Improve the “thermal envelope” of your home. Attics and bonus rooms often need added insulation, blocking and sheathing. Also consider caulking and weather-stripping around doors and window frames and sealing for plumbing penetrations. More online at www.georgiamagazine.org 15 Reality check: Clean Energy Reality Check Series, Article No. 6 n January this “Reality Check Series” began looking at the viability of renewable energy sources in Georgia. We’ve explored powering homes and businesses using solar, wind, biomass and hydropower. This month, GEORGIA Magazine focuses on a different type of renewable energy: conservation and energy efficiency. As Georgia grows, the demand for energy and the cost of fuel will inevitably rise. That’s why conservation and efficiency are perhaps the most important forms of renewable energy. Avoiding use means less generation must be constructed. “There is no greener energy than the energy you save through energy efficiency,” says Amy Bryan, director of residential marketing for Jackson Electric Membership Corp. ( JEMC) in Jefferson. JEMC is the largest electric cooperative in Georgia and one of the largest in the United States. Bryan, a 30-year industry veteran, manages residential energy efficiency for the co-op. Saving energy helps our pockets and our planet. All EMCs in Georgia provide free information materials to members on reducing energy use. JEMC offers many energy-efficient services to help homeowners reduce their use. “Whether you’re trying to achieve a greener household, or you simply want to lower your bill, it’s easy to start with the low-hanging fruit,” says Bryan. Bryan suggests: 1. Set your thermostat on 78 degrees in summer and 68 degrees in winter. 2. Change your heating and air filters every 1-2 months. Clogged air filters restrict airflow, causing more energy use. July 2011 COURTESY JACKSON EMC ROBB MAAG / LIGHT SOURCES http://www.togetherwesave.com http://www.georgiamagazine.org

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Georgia Magazine - July 2011

Georgia Magazine - July 2011
Contents
Viewpoint
Mailbox
Picture This?
Georgia News
Calendar
Currents
Georgia’s Energy Outlook
Special Energy Report
A Jewel Against the Sea
“A Special Blessing”
Your Own Backyard
Around Georgia
My Georgia
Gardens
Georgia Cooks
Cookbook of the Month
Snapshot

Georgia Magazine - July 2011