Energy Saving Resources
Three energy conservation tips you can't afford to miss
In every home in America, money is spent on energy consumption. With the average electricity spend per year at $1,368.36, and in some cases, about 35% of the electricity used is actually wasted. Whether you use electricity, propane or natural gas as an energy source, there are ways to conserve and reduce your power bills for heating, air conditioning, lighting, and water heating. Check with your local cooperative or Public Power District (PPD) may be able to help you with more direct information and rebates to install energy-efficient equipment and cut your costs.
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Three easy DIY projects to save energy
Winter weather can have a big impact on your energy bills, hitting your pockets a little harder than you would have liked. The good news: there are several easy ways to save energy.
If you’re willing to take a hands-on approach, here are three projects you can do to start saving.
Make the most of your water heater.
Let’s start with one of the easiest projects: insulating your water heater. Insulating a water heater that’s warm to the touch can save seven to 16 percent annually on your water heating bills. It should also be noted that if your water heater is new, it is likely already insulated. But if your water heater is warm to the touch, it needs additional insulation.
You can purchase a pre-cut jacket or blanket for about $20. You’ll also need two people for this project. Before you start, turn off the water heater. Wrap the blanket around the water heater and tape it to temporarily keep it in place. If necessary, use a marker to note the areas where the controls are so you can cut them out. Once the blanket is positioned correctly tape it permanently in place, then turn the water heater back on. If you have an electric water heater, do not set the thermostat above 130 degrees, which can cause overheating.
Seal air leaks with caulk.
The average American family spends $2,000 annually on energy bills, but unfortunately, much of that money is wasted through air leaks in the home. Applying caulk around windows, doors, electrical wiring and plumbing can save energy and money. There are many different types of caulking compounds available, but the most popular choice is silicone. Silicone caulk is waterproof, flexible and won’t shrink or crack.
Before applying new caulk, clean and remove any old caulk or paint with a putty knife, screwdriver, brush or solvent. The area should be dry before you apply the new caulk.
Apply the caulk in one continuous stream, and make sure it sticks to both sides of the crack or seam. Afterwards, use a putty knife to smooth out the caulk, then wipe the surface with a dry cloth.
Weather strip exterior doors.
One of the best ways to seal air leaks is to weather strip exterior doors, which can keep out drafts and help you control energy costs. Weather stripping materials vary, but you can ask your local hardware or home store for assistance if you’re unsure about the supplies you need.
When choosing weather stripping materials, make sure it can withstand temperature changes, friction and the general “wear and tear” for the location of the door. Keep in mind, you will need separate materials for the door sweep (at the bottom of the door) and the top and sides.
Before applying the new weather stripping, clean the moulding with water and soap, then let the area dry completely. Measure each side of the door, then cut the weather stripping to fit each section. Make sure the weather stripping fits snugly against both surfaces so it compresses when the door is closed.
By completing these simple efficiency projects, you can save energy (and money!) while increasing the comfort level of your home. And you can impress your family and friends with your savvy energy-saving skills.
What is demand?
Demand is the amount of power needed to supply every electrical device running in your home or business at a specific point in time. It is the rate at which you consume electricity. Demand is not a new charge— it’s always been bundled with your energy usage rate. Now with affordable technology we are able to measure demand and bill separately, giving you an opportunity to control it. Demand billing gives you another way to control your electric bill while still maintaining your consumption needs, simply by spreading your usage throughout the day.
Managing demand
The easiest way to reduce your demand while maintaining your energy consumption needs is to spread out your usage throughout the day. Review your household or business processes and determine if you can perform high energy consuming tasks at different times of the day. Perhaps you can run some equipment in the morning and other equipment in the afternoon to balance and reduce your demand which will save you money. Many modern appliances have timers, making it easy to get it ready to go, and simply delay the start time. With a little planning, you now have more control over your electric bill with the ability to control when you use power, not just how much you use.
Find more resources below:
Explaining demand: five-gallon bucket example
Explaining demand: sports fan example
Explaining demand: light bulb example
Frequently Asked Questions- part 2
Explaining demand: swimming pool example
Trying to figure out why your demand is high?