The Highlands

Easy Energy Saving Tips

Posted in: The Highlands - Hollywood

When you go green you can save a lot of green

 

Lighting
Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)

CFLs have an 8 -15 times longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs lasting between 6,000-15,000 hours, whereas the standards are manufactured to last 750 -1,000 hours

Keep lights off when they are not being used and get the kids involved. Enlist your friends and loved ones or become your own “Light Police”

 

 Water

Take shorter showers and use low flow non-aerating shower heads


Turn off water while brushing teeth

 

Take more showers than baths (save 15 gallons of water each time)


Repair leaky faucets (30 drops/minute adds up to a wasted 84 gallons/month)

 

Clothes Washing and Drying
Make sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear


Clean the lint filter after every load


Wash clothes with cold water! 90% of washing energy goes toward heating the water.

 

Refrigerator / Freezer
Make sure refrigerator door is properly sealed


Don’t overcrowd the fridge

 

Allow items to cool before placing them in the fridge


Proper maintenance is essential to allow your fridge to run efficiently

 

Dishwasher
Only run when fully loaded


Use air dry option instead of heated dry


Try hand washing dishes and making it a family event fueled by good conversation

 

Electronics
Unplug electronics when not in use
(cell phones, battery chargers, coffee makers, DVD players)
Save up to 10% off monthly utility bill

 

Air Conditioning

Increase the thermostat by 3-5 degrees from its normal setting and save up to 10% on cooling costs

 

Reduce the need for air conditioning by using fans and close the blinds to greate shade

 

Dress appropriately for the season by wearing lighter clothes

 

Change filters routinely for optimal efficiency

 

Increase thermostat even more when no one is home or turn it completely off if you are going to be away for an extended period of time

 

Energy Star Investments

Furnace- Energy Star qualified oil and gas furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 85% and 90% or higher (this makes them 15% more efficient than standard models)


Air conditioner- Energy Star qualified room air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than conventional models


Fan- Ceiling fan/light combination units (Energy Star) are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units, by use of improved motors and blade designs


Clothes Washer- Cut energy costs by 1/3  and water costs by 1/2  Rebate Program: Metropolitan Water District ($85 Rebate)


Dishwasher- Use 41% less energy

Rebate Program: Southern California Gas Company ($35)


Television- Use about 30% less energy than standard units

 

Contact List for Deals, Rebates and more Energy Saver Tips
Websites:  www.fypower.org
               www.energystar.gov
               www.green-energy-efficient-homes.com

Numbers & Websites 
Metropolitan Water District (213-217-6000)
www.mwdh2o.com

 

Southern California Gas Company (800-427-2200)
www.socalgas.com

 

LADWP (800-342-5397)
www.ladwp.com

 

Southern California Edison   (800- 655-4555)
www.sce.com

 

 

When you go green you can save a lot of green

 

Lighting
Replace standard incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)

CFLs have an 8 -15 times longer lifespan than incandescent bulbs lasting between 6,000-15,000 hours, whereas the standards are manufactured to last 750 -1,000 hours

Keep lights off when they are not being used and get the kids involved. Enlist your friends and loved ones or become your own “Light Police”

 

 Water

Take shorter showers and use low flow non-aerating shower heads


Turn off water while brushing teeth

 

Take more showers than baths (save 15 gallons of water each time)


Repair leaky faucets (30 drops/minute adds up to a wasted 84 gallons/month)

 

Clothes Washing and Drying
Make sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear


Clean the lint filter after every load


Wash clothes with cold water! 90% of washing energy goes toward heating the water.

 

Refrigerator / Freezer
Make sure refrigerator door is properly sealed


Don’t overcrowd the fridge

 

Allow items to cool before placing them in the fridge


Proper maintenance is essential to allow your fridge to run efficiently

 

Dishwasher
Only run when fully loaded


Use air dry option instead of heated dry


Try hand washing dishes and making it a family event fueled by good conversation

 

Electronics
Unplug electronics when not in use
(cell phones, battery chargers, coffee makers, DVD players)
Save up to 10% off monthly utility bill

 

Air Conditioning

Increase the thermostat by 3-5 degrees from its normal setting and save up to 10% on cooling costs

 

Reduce the need for air conditioning by using fans and close the blinds to greate shade

 

Dress appropriately for the season by wearing lighter clothes

 

Change filters routinely for optimal efficiency

 

Increase thermostat even more when no one is home or turn it completely off if you are going to be away for an extended period of time

 

Energy Star Investments

Furnace- Energy Star qualified oil and gas furnaces have annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) ratings of 85% and 90% or higher (this makes them 15% more efficient than standard models)


Air conditioner- Energy Star qualified room air conditioners use at least 10% less energy than conventional models


Fan- Ceiling fan/light combination units (Energy Star) are about 50% more efficient than conventional fan/light units, by use of improved motors and blade designs


Clothes Washer- Cut energy costs by 1/3  and water costs by 1/2  Rebate Program: Metropolitan Water District ($85 Rebate)


Dishwasher- Use 41% less energy

Rebate Program: Southern California Gas Company ($35)


Television- Use about 30% less energy than standard units

 

Contact List for Deals, Rebates and more Energy Saver Tips
Websites:  www.fypower.org
               www.energystar.gov
               www.green-energy-efficient-homes.com

Numbers & Websites 
Metropolitan Water District (213-217-6000)
www.mwdh2o.com

 

Southern California Gas Company (800-427-2200)
www.socalgas.com

 

LADWP (800-342-5397)
www.ladwp.com

 

Southern California Edison   (800- 655-4555)
www.sce.com

 

I agree with these suggestions and most owners probably try to do their best to be green.

 

Food for Going Greener -

 

Plug-in Hybrid Vehicles are available now. Plug-in Electric Vehicles will be available in 2011. I understand that these type vehicles offer energy savings, lower operating costs and a significant reduction in air polution. They could become as popular as fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) and Energy Star Investments.

 

Unfortunately the Highlands garage parking spaces do not have electrical outlets to connect Plug-in Hybrid or Plug-in ElectricVehicles. I suggest that the Highlands Board of Directors ask the manager to initiate a study to determine the cost of installing electrical outlets in the parking spaces and connecting them back to the respective apartment's electric meter. The L.A. Department of Water and Power, the City of Los Angeles, the State of California and the U.S. government may offer rebates, and/or grants, to provide an incentive for us to make the initial investment.

 

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