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News
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Take
Steps
to Reduce Your Energy Bills and Stay Safe this Summer
Posted 28 June
2010
Another Iowa summer
is here. Hot weather this time of year often results in rising energy
demand and use, but Iowans can take appropriate steps to conserve
energy and reduce the impact on their utility bills. Lowering overall
energy demand can also lessen constraints and avoid additional
operating costs for utility generation and delivery, which benefits
everyone.
“Much like we weatherize homes and make smart choices to reduce the
impact of cold winter weather, we can take some simple steps that
reduce energy use while ensuring safety during the high-cost summer
season as well,” said IUB Chair Rob Berntsen.
Homeowners and occupants can ensure maximum comfort and safety while
saving energy by:
- Shading the interior
from the sun by utilizing shades and drapes, sunscreens over windows,
or (long-term) shade trees. It is estimated that during hot and humid
Iowa summers, about 50 percent of the heat that accumulates in a home
comes from solar heat.
- Using portable fans
and/or ceiling fans to increase air circulation. This immediately
increases comfort and safety in extremely hot weather. Strategically
placed fans can make inside air feel considerably cooler and increase
the effectiveness of central and window air conditioners, so you should
be able to turn the air conditioner down (or off) when using fans.
Remember that fans cool people, not the air in the room, by creating a
breeze to circulate air across the skin. To reduce electric bills
without sacrificing comfort, cooling fans can be turned off when there
are no people in the room for more than a few minutes. In some cases, a
thermostat-controlled attic fan may help because heat can build to high
levels in the attic. When using a central air conditioning unit, it is
important to keep registers clean and clear of furniture or other
obstructions so air can circulate freely (some may benefit from
evaluation and cleaning of their duct system).
- Making sure your air
conditioner (central or window unit) is shaded from the sun and clear
of grass, weeds, shrubbery, or other obstructions so it has adequate
ventilation and does not get overworked or overheated. Air conditioners
should be situated on the north or east side of the residence for
maximum efficiency. Outside air conditioning coils should be kept clean
(mild soap and water) and furnace filters changed frequently for better
efficiency.
- Using a programmable
thermostat, turning up the temperature setting and/or shutting off the
air conditioner whenever possible. Pay close attention to weather and
temperature forecasts. Iowa typically has occasional breaks from the
summer heat, so open windows and take advantage of cooler and less
humid outside air whenever possible. Many people are able to use cooler
parts of the house during breaks from the most extreme heat and avoid
additional air conditioning expense. Even during hot weather, you can
often lower the temperature setting or turn off the air conditioner
when you are away from home.
- Waiting to use
heat-producing appliances like ovens, stoves, dishwashers, and clothes
washers and dryers when it is cooler in the late evening or early
morning.
- Checking on elderly
friends and neighbors who do not have air conditioning when the weather
becomes extremely hot and humid. Invite them over if you have air
conditioning or invite them to spend time with you at the mall,
theater, or a favorite restaurant. Remember to give your own air
conditioner a break while you are gone. This is easy to do with a
programmable thermostat.
- Longer-term
investments (inquire with your local utility for possible incentive
programs) that consistently provide substantial benefits in hot weather
(and cold weather too):
- Adding insulation,
particularly attic insulation. Excessive heat can move into living
spaces from outside, the attic, or a hot garage. Investment in an
insulation upgrade often produces significant-enough energy savings
(throughout the year) to be recovered quickly. Good insulation also
increases home comfort and reduces or eliminates the problem of
temperature variance on different levels, or in different parts, of
some homes.
- Installing more
energy efficient windows because windows can be the source of large
energy losses. Many windows today are designed and insulated to greatly
reduce the air transfer. A wide variety of Low-E windows contain thin,
transparent window coatings that permit visible light to pass through
them, but help block heat transfer. You should ask a professional what
kind of energy efficient windows might be right for your home
environment. This can often be done as part of a home energy assessment
scheduled through your local utility.
For more ways to stay
cool and save money during the hottest days this summer, please contact
or visit the Web site of your local utility.
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