Camelot I

SAVING MONEY ON ENERGY BILLS

Jan 31, 2001

FREE ENERGY AUDITS BY CPS
CPS will send an energy-services specialist to your home to conduct a free energy audit of your home. CPS will look at:
?· The general condition of air conditioning and heating systems.
?· Level and condition of insulation.
?· Degree of outside air infiltration.
?· The operation and condition of lighting, water heating and other appliances.
You will receive recommendations as well as cost benefits of measures that may reduce your energy bills. A starter kit of energy saving materials is available to homeowners who have a Home Energy Audit done.
Request an appointment by calling 353-3366
CPS customers may also attend free clinics to help lower utility bills. For more information call 353-4277 or visit www.citypublicservice.com


TIPS TO CUT ENERGY COSTS
Air conditioning and heating account for a large part of your utility bill, so always make sure your thermostat is set at the proper temperature. Central heating and A/C units should be checked regularly by a licensed technician. Also, buy energy efficient appliances and use minimal lighting. Read on to find out more about how you can save energy and money too!
Check your heating system regularly to keep your heating costs down during the WINTER.
?· Keep room temperature between 68 and 70 degrees in the winter.
?· Clean or replace furnace filters once a month.
?· Caulk & weather-strip around windows & doors.
?· Raise your shades to let in the sun's warmth.
?· Cover cold floors with rugs, carpet or linoleum.
?· Seal wall outlets. It can eliminate up to 20% of air leakage.
Lower your air conditioning costs this SUMMER by following a few simple tips.
?· Keep your A/C set at 78 to 80 degrees.
?· Clean or replace your air filters every two weeks.
?· Have your air conditioning unit cleaned-serviced at least once a year by a licensed service company.
?· Seal air leaks with caulking & weather-stripping around doors & windows & check/repair duct leaks.
?· Install metal door sweeps to reduce air flow underneath doors (good for winter too).
?· Use fans to circulate the cool air in the house.
?· Buy energy efficient units (the higher the efficiency rating the lower the operating cost).
?· Buy the correct size unit based on the Btu capacity in relation to the sq ft of your house.
?· Install solar screens, solar film or plant trees & shrubs to limit sun exposure on the west-side of your home.
Check you water heater regularly and save with these energy saving tips.
?· Always set your water heater thermostat at approximately 120 to 140 degrees.
?· When buying a water heater, look for the yellow & black Energy Guide for operating cost.
?· Insulate your water heater with a water heater blanket. Heating water accounts for 13% to 20% of all energy used in a home.
?· Fix leaking faucets. 1drop a sec= 60 gal a wk.
?· Run dishwasher with full loads.
?· Use a timer on an electric water heater.
?· Don't leave water running when shaving, brushing teeth or rinsing dishes.
?· When washing clothes, use warm or cold wash cycles & cold rinses.
Use lighting in your home wisely by following these tips.
?· Remember to turn off lights when they are not needed. Lighting can account for up to 10% of the electrical consumption in a household.
?· Use dimmer switches & lower-wattage bulbs.
?· Use lighter colors when painting rooms, as this tends to reflect light.
?· Use fluorescent lighting when possible. Even though the initial expense is more than incandescent lighting, it will pay for itself.
?· Connect fixtures with separate switches so they can be operated independently of each other.
?· When arranging furniture, avoid placing a lamp near your thermostat. Heat from the lamp will give the thermostat false temperature readings.
**Taken from CPS web page & pamphlets.