Happy Energy Efficiency Day!
Happy Energy Efficiency Day! Energy efficiency and energy conservation go hand in hand. Energy conservation is using the least amount of energy that you can, or for some items this means being able to turn them off. However, there are many appliances and electronics essential to doing our jobs, and to learning and connecting with those close to us. Having an appliance or electronic device that is energy efficient will help you conserve energy in the long run.
When it is time to update an appliance, make sure to look for energy efficient models, or the ENERGY STAR logo. Updating your air conditioner or furnace can save 15 to 20 percent of the energy used (ENERGY STAR®). We recently had to replace a twenty-year-old Speed Queen washer with a new energy efficient model because of the age of the washer. The ENERGY STAR® website estimates that we will save $185 a year, so there’s a five-year payback on that appliance. Another example of energy conservation is to upgrade to LED light bulbs. When changing from a 100 Watt incandescent bulb to a 23 Watt CFL or a 11 Watt LED, you can easily calculate those energy savings. So, you can see how changing the lights bulbs in your home can greatly reduce your energy use. How many lights are in your home? How much savings can be had?
Yet another idea is to get a home energy audit to help learn where you can conserve energy. There are some low/no cost options to getting a home audit.
Columbia Gas – https://www.columbiagasohio.com/energy-efficiency/for-your-home/home-energy-audit – does $50 energy audit for their customers which includes a programmable thermostat and for an extra $99, you can get a Nest or ecobee thermostat installed.
Ground Level Solutions – http://groundlevel.server307.com/ – has several programs for people who are eligible for free or reduced priced audits and services. They participate in Warm Choice with Columbia Gas and Home Weatherization Assistance Program (HWAP) which is federally funded by the U.S. Departments of Energy and Health and Human Services and administered in Ohio by the Ohio Development Services Agency.
There are also a couple of programs through ENERGY STAR® that can help you find places to save money in your home. https://www.energystar.gov/campaign/home?s=mega There is the Home Energy Yardstick and Energy Star Home Advisor which takes different information and helps you figure out ways to save energy and money.
Energy efficiency is a path to energy conservation. It may also help keep some money in your pocket.
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