Cooperative Living September 2022 - 26

ENERG SENSE
Offer to clean
up leaves and
debris around
your neighbor's
air conditioner
or heat pump.
Test the
water heater
temperature
using a
kitchen
thermometer.
Easy Ways to
Q:
O
I'm a firm believer that saving energy helps
the environment as well as the pocketbook.
So, how can I help others improve their
energy savings at home?
n National Good Neighbor
Day, which is Sept. 28, or
any day this month, join in
the cooperative spirit and help your
neighbors, friends and family save
at home with these do-it-yourself,
energy-saving tips.
Tips range in physicality and
cost, providing options based on your
ability.
CHANGE LIGHT BULBS
Prioritize changing lights that are
used the most, such as incandescent
porch lights left on all night. LEDs
use about 75% less energy and last up
to 25 times longer than incandescent
bulbs. Some neighbors can't climb
step stools or ladders, so help them
out if you are able. Be sure to check
for overhead power lines when using
ladders outside.
SWAP THE FILTER
Furnace filters should be checked
regularly and replaced when they are
dirty. Simply writing down the
dimensions of the furnace filter can
help your neighbor, who can pick up
a pack of new ones at a store or online.
If you find a really dirty furnace
filter, don't remove it until you have
24 ● Cooperative Living ●
September 2022
Help a Neighbor Save Energy
A:
by Miranda Boutelle, Contributing Columnist
Helping people feels good. Supporting community
is sewn into the fabric of your electric co-op, which is
guided by the Seven Cooperative Principles that put
the needs of members first.
a replacement. Operating your system
without a filter allows dirt and dust in
the system to go directly to the heating
and cooling components.
OPEN THE DAMPERS
Register dampers allow heated and
cooled air to circulate properly throughout
the home. If you have a central air
heating or cooling system, dampers
should be left open. The idea that closing
registers saves energy is a common
misconception. If furniture is on top of
dampers, move it to a new permanent
spot so it does not block air flow.
ADJUST THE WATER HEATER
Check the water heater and set
it to 120 degrees. Use a kitchen
thermometer to test the water
temperature. At the faucet nearest the
water heater, turn only the hot water
on and wait until it gets hot. Let the
hot water run into a glass and place a
kitchen thermometer in it. Wait until
it registers the highest temperature. If
the water heater is set too high, you can
save energy by lowering the setting.
KEEP OUTDOOR UNITS CLEAR
Clean brush and debris from around
the air conditioner or heat pump. If
leaves or brush pile up around the
outdoor unit of a heat pump or airconditioning
system, they can reduce
the airflow, making the system work
harder than it should. This uses
more energy and can reduce the life
of the unit.
REMOVE THE WINDOW A/C
By removing the unit before
winter, the window can close properly.
This prevents heat from escaping and
wasting energy. It also keeps the room
more comfortable. Window units are
heavy and awkward. This project is
best done with a buddy. Get that
person to commit to helping put the
unit back next spring.
SHARE ENERGY-SAVING
PROGRAMS
Information is a great way to
help, and it's free. Look into programs
your co-op offers and share that
information with your neighbor.
Check the U.S. Department of Energy
for federal tax credits offered for
upgrades. 
Miranda Boutelle writes on energyefficiency
topics for the National Rural
Electric Cooperative Association.
co-opliving.com
Add removing
the window
A/C to your fall
winterizing
projects.
http://www.co-opliving.com
Cooperative Living September 2022

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