{"id":35337,"date":"2018-06-25T09:16:27","date_gmt":"2018-06-25T16:16:27","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.lvenergy.com\/energy-efficiency\/mylvmeter-copy\/"},"modified":"2019-07-22T12:43:59","modified_gmt":"2019-07-22T19:43:59","slug":"energy-saving-tips","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.lvenergy.com\/energy-efficiency\/energy-saving-tips\/","title":{"rendered":"Energy Saving Tips"},"content":{"rendered":"

Energy Star<\/strong><\/p>\n

In the typical home, appliances and electronics are responsible for about 20% of the energy bill. Buy efficient and energy-saving Energy-Star appliances.<\/p>\n

Computers<\/strong><\/p>\n

Consider turning off your monitor if you are not going to use the PC for more than 20 minutes. Consider turning off the entire system if you are not going to use the PC for more than 2 hours.<\/p>\n

Lighting<\/strong><\/p>\n

Artificial lighting consumes almost 15% of a household\u2019s electricity use. You can reduce lighting energy use by selecting lighting and sources that use energy more efficiently, and by installing lighting controls.<\/p>\n

When to Turn Off Lights<\/strong><\/p>\n

The general rule of thumb is to turn off incandescent lights whenever not in use and fluorescent lights if not using for more than 15 minutes.<\/p>\n

Heating<\/strong><\/p>\n

Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes. While typical heating via electricity can be as high as 100% efficient, heat pumps can be up to 400% efficient (because they move heat rather than generate heat).<\/p>\n

Water Heating<\/strong><\/p>\n

Look into ways to heat water more efficiently. Hot water heating can account for 14\u201325% of the energy consumed in your home. You can lower the thermostat on your water heater; water heaters sometimes come from the factory with high temperature settings, but a setting of 115\u00b0F provides comfortably hot water for most uses.<\/p>\n

Home Energy Audits<\/strong><\/p>\n

A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes, and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. An audit will show you problems that may, when corrected, save you significant amounts of money over time. Audits also determine the efficiency of your home\u2019s heating and cooling systems. An audit may also show you ways to conserve hot water and electricity.<\/p>\n

Insulation<\/strong><\/p>\n

You can reduce your home\u2019s heating and cooling costs through proper insulation and air sealing. A proper balance between all of these elements will also result in a more comfortable, healthier home environment. For example, insulate your hot water storage tank and pipes, but be careful not to cover the thermostat.<\/p>\n

Windows<\/strong><\/p>\n

Windows provide our homes with light, warmth, and ventilation, but they can also negatively impact a home\u2019s energy efficiency. You can reduce energy costs by installing energy efficient windows in your home.<\/p>\n

Heat Loss<\/strong><\/p>\n

Caulk windows and weather-strip doors that have air leaks which cause heat loss. Close off rooms that are not being used and shut off the heat to those rooms. In the winter, turn your thermostat down to 68\u00b0 or below. Reduce the setting to 55\u00b0 before going to sleep or when leaving for the day. (For each 1\u00b0 you turn down the thermostat in the winter, you will save up to 5% on your heating costs.) During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.<\/p>\n

Cleaning<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a 48-inch window wide open during the winter.<\/p>\n

Fireplace<\/strong><\/p>\n

If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue. Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a 48-inch window wide open during the winter.<\/p>\n

Repairs<\/strong><\/p>\n

Repair leaky faucets promptly; a leaky hot water faucet can waste energy and water in a short period of time.<\/p>\n

\n

Please call the Lower Valley Energy Conservation Department at (800) 882-5875 with any questions or concerns about conservation programs.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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