Cooperative Living January 2020 - 36
EnergySense | by Pat Keegan and Brad Thiessen, Contributing Writers
Start the New Year Right with Energy Savings
Dear Pat and Brad: My neighbors claim they were able to cut their energy bills nearly in half. Is that even
possible? What would I have to do to get there? It sounds like it would take a lot of time and money.
- Luke
Dear Luke: The story you heard is not far-fetched. We've been involved with energy-efficiency programs that have
achieved those kinds of results. Let's talk about some energy-saving measures you can do right away and how you
plan for greater savings down the road.
1
DIAL IN SAVINGS
Now: The first place to start is your home thermostat. In
most homes, the largest portion of the energy bill goes
toward heating and cooling. Setting back your thermostat by 7
to 10 degrees for eight hours a day can save you up to 10% a
year on heating and cooling. In the winter, you could aim for
56 degrees at night and when no one is at home, and 68
degrees when you're up and around. If you're used to a warmer
house, it may mean throwing on a sweater or pair of slippers. It
should be noted this tactic is not as effective for some homes
with radiant heat systems.
Later: Make sure to adjust your air conditioning settings next
summer. If you have a manual thermostat and don't always
remember to adjust it, consider purchasing a smart thermostat
or at least one that's programmable.
2
SET REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER TEMPS
FOR EFFICIENCY
Now: Make sure your refrigerator and freezer aren't set to
a colder temperature than needed. The fridge should be at
For maximum
efficiency, your
fridge should be
between 38
degrees to 40
degrees, and
the freezer
compartment
should be set
to 5 degrees.
PHOTO COURTESY OF
MARCELA GARA,
RESOURCE MEDIA
38 degrees to 40 degrees and the
freezer compartment should be 5
degrees. If you have a separate chest
freezer, set it to zero. Also check your
water heater setting. You should
aim for a setting of 120 degrees.
Later: Old refrigerators and freezers
can use a lot of electricity. If yours was
manufactured before 1993, you can
save upwards of $65 a year with a new
Energy Star model. If you eliminate
a second refrigerator or freezer, you
can save even more, especially if
they are stored in your garage.
Setting back your
thermostat by 7 to 10
degrees for eight hours a
day can save you up to
10% a year on home
heating and cooling.
PHOTO COURTESY OF CONSUMERS ENERGY
3
34 | Cooperative Living | January 2020
MAXIMIZE THE HEAT
YOU'VE GOT
Now: Look around each
room and make sure the vents and
radiators aren't blocked by furniture
or other objects. If the floors feel
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Cooperative Living January 2020
Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Cooperative Living January 2020
Cooperative Living January 2020 - 1
Cooperative Living January 2020 - 2
Cooperative Living January 2020 - 3
Cooperative Living January 2020 - 4
Cooperative Living January 2020 - 5
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