WITH THE INCREASE IN COST OF UTILITIES HOW CAN I CONSERVE ENERGY?
Answer by: Leona K. Hawks, Utah State University Extension Housing Specialist

(First of two-part series.)
Energy costs are increasing dramatically. The average family can expect to see a 29 percent increase in utility bills this winter. Did you know that the energy being generated for use in the home also increases air pollution? Here are a few inexpensive energy-efficient measures, you can use to reduce your energy bills by 10 to 50 percent and at the same time save energy and reduce air pollution. Control Indoor Temperatures: You can save as much as 10 percent a year on your heating and cooling bills by simply turning your thermostat back 10-15 percent for eight hours every day. Reduce daytime home heating temperatures in winter to 68 degrees F or lower.

Many of the following tips lead to energy efficiency in summer as well as in winter.

• When you leave the house for more than four hours set the thermostat back to 60 degrees.
• When you go on vacation, set the thermostat back to 55 degrees.
• Reduce nighttime temperature 5 to 8 degrees or more.
• Open and close outside doors quickly when you enter or leave your home.
• During the day, open draperies and roll up shades on windows that face south, east, and west to receive direct heat from the sun in winter.
• Place furniture so that it does not block heat registers or outlets.

Control Air Leaks: Energy lost through air leaks can be decreased.

• Caulk cracks around doors, windows, foundation, and the fireplace.
• Close door of attached garage in winter.
• Close the flue when fireplace is not in use.
• Weatherstrip doors and windows.
• Lock your windows so they seal tighter.
• Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans only when necessary.
• Seal unused doors and rooms.
• Insulate ceilings, walls, floors and basement walls adequately.
• Install storm windows and doors.
• Use plastic tightly sealed to the inside of window frames.
• Select a heating system properly sized for house.
• Seal leaks in ductwork.
• Insulated all ducts in exposed areas.
• Maintain heating and cooling equipment in good operating condition.
• Keep air filters clean to make it easier for forced air systems to operate.
• Arrange with heating/cooling dealer for yearly maintenance.

• Reduce the amount of hot water used.
• Insulate hot water pipes.
• Maintain a setting of 110-120 degrees F on water heater thermostat. Refer to your owner’s manual for proper setting. If in doubt, test the temperature of water coming from the tap. Note: If your dishwasher does not have a booster heating element, keep water heater temperature at 140 degrees F.
• Repair leaky faucets, especially hot water leaks.

• Use as much natural light as possible.
• Use fluorescent lights whenever possible as they are more efficient than incandescent lights.
• Turn off unnecessary lights, indoors and out.
• Reduce lighting levels to minimum for tasks to be performed.
• Use bulbs with lower wattage in halls, stairways and other areas of general illumination.
• Use light colors in decorating to improve lighting efficiency.
• Do tasks that require high light levels during daylight hours when possible.
• Keep lighting fixtures clean.
• Use timers to turn lights on in the evening rather than leave lights on all day when no one is home.
• Install dimmer switches wherever possible.

__ Direct column topic questions to: Donna Falkenborg, Utah State University Extension, 4900 Old Main Hill, Logan, UT 84322-4900. Phone 435-797-1363; fax: 435-797-7873; email: donnaf@ext.usu.edu. ###