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DENVER – To help lessen the impact of sizzling summer
temperatures on home energy bills, Energy Outreach Colorado is offering
some simple, low-cost energy-saving tips.
“Weatherizing your home will help to permanently reduce your energy bill
and make your home more comfortable, safe and healthy to live in,” says
Shelly Wallace, director of long-term energy solutions at Energy
Outreach, a statewide non-profit that raises money for low-income energy
assistance. “Many improvements are easy to do yourself and inexpensive,
and they can transfer into savings on winter heating bills as well.”
The following are inexpensive suggestions to help cool your home and
improve its energy efficiency:
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Seal leaks and cracks around windows and doors with weather
stripping and caulking. Pay special attention to plumbing outlets,
vents and recessed light fixtures.
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Wrap water heaters with insulation blankets, which cost on average
$15, and keep water heater temperatures at or below 120 degrees.
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Install a programmable thermostat to help save money and keep your
home comfortable by automatically adjusting your temperature
settings while you’re asleep or away. Costs range from $20 to $50.
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Plant deciduous (leafy) trees near south- and west-facing windows.
They’ll shade your home during the warm, summer months, and when the
leaves fall off in the winter they’ll allow sun to heat your home.
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Windows can be the largest source of heat gain in your home. Keep
windows and window coverings shut during the day to keep out the
heat. At night, open windows and coverings to let in cooling
breezes.
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Another heat generator is your refrigerator. Move it out from the
wall and vacuum the condenser coils each year. If you’re using more
than one refrigerator or freezer, remember that they consume a lot
of energy. Consolidate if you can and unplug any unnecessary
appliances.
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On average, 14 percent of your energy bill goes to heating water.
Take short showers and run dishwashers and washing machines only
when fully loaded. Turn off the heated drying option on your
dishwasher to save energy and keep your kitchen cooler.
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Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light
bulbs (CFLs), which cost about $5 per bulb, and cut your lighting
costs in half. CFLs also last seven to ten times longer than an
incandescent bulb.
If you’re willing to invest more in upgrading your home energy
efficiency, here are some additional suggestions:
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Install an evaporative cooler, which is less expensive to install
and uses less than half the energy of an air conditioner. Prices
range from $150 to $500.
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If you use an air conditioner, be sure it is sized properly, ensure
that ductwork is properly hooked up and sealed, and do regular
maintenance check-ups on the unit.
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Add insulation to your attic and walls. Typically, 54 percent of
your energy bill goes to heating and cooling your home. Adding
insulation will not only save you money on your energy bill, but
will make your home more comfortable. Insulation keeps the
conditioned air in and the hot or cold outdoor air out. Add R-38 or
better in your attic and R-19 or better in your walls.
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Replace older, less efficient appliances with Energy StarŪ
appliances (refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine).
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Replace old windows, especially single-pane, with low-e glass
windows. These help with the comfort, efficiency, aesthetics and
resale value of your home.
For families and seniors having difficulty paying their energy bill,
Energy Outreach Colorado provides bill payment assistance year-round.
The Colorado Low-income Energy Assistance Program (LEAP) does not accept
applications between May 1 and October 31, and Energy Outreach is the
only statewide source for financial assistance during the summer months.
For information about where to get help, or how to donate, call
1-866-HEAT-HELP (1-866-432-8435) or visit the Energy Outreach Colorado
website at
www.EnergyOutreach.org.
About Energy Outreach Colorado
Energy Outreach Colorado is the only independent, non-profit
organization in the state that raises money to help income-limited
Coloradans afford home energy. Since 1989, EOC has distributed more than
$73 million to fund energy bill payment assistance, energy efficiency
upgrades for affordable housing and energy efficiency education. Energy
Outreach Colorado relies on private donations, corporate contributions
and foundation grants. It was named 2006 Outstanding Foundation by
National Philanthropy Day in Colorado, has received top ratings from
Charity Navigator for five consecutive years and is a member of the
Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance. Energy Outreach Colorado,
www.EnergyOutreach.org, can
be reached at 303-825-8750 or at 225 E. 16th Ave. Ste. 200, Denver, CO
80203-1612. |
