areyougreenenough

Going Green Before the Heat Arrives

by David Wells

Y

ou don’t have to spend a fortune to save one. Several small, cost-effective steps can add up to big results. Here are some things you can resolve to do before summer hits, whether you’ve got ten bucks or a thousand.

FREE

Turn

ON power management features

Estimate your home electricity use, gadget by gadget

Many computers, monitors, printers, scan- ners and fax machines can save lots of electricity both when in use and in sleep mode, if this feature is activated.

If you know how much electricity your gadgets and appliances use, you’re more apt to use them wisely. Use this handy cal- culator from the US Department of Energy to see how much electricity you’re actually using: EnergySavers.gov/your_home/appli- ances/index.cfm/mytopic=10040

Close fireplace dampers

Phantom loads

You may be losing a lot of costly “condi- tioned” air up the chimney. Only open the damper when you’re using the fireplace.

If an appliance or electronic item is “off” but has a “standby” light on, it is draw- ing electricity right now. Chargers for cell phones, iPods, cameras and PDAs draw power even after the charging is complete. Unplug all these items when not being actively used.

The way you live

Turn off lights, fans and TVs when you’re not in the room, use ceiling fans, and keep the thermostat a bit warmer in summer/ cooler in winter.

CFLs and LEDs

LESS THAN $50

Rechargeable batteries

Rechargeable flashlights

LESS THAN $50

Buy a charger and about a dozen NiMH AA batteries to get started. Each battery can be recharged about 500 times. You’ll save hundreds of dollars over the life of the batteries.

Look for hand-crankable, LED flashlights. A few seconds of work will provide ample light for most emergency situations, and you don’t have to worry about the batteries going dead (perfect for the glovebox, too).

Smart strips

These power strips have specially-desig- nated outlets that turn completely off (to avoid phantom loads), and others that provide continuous power for gadgets that require it (clocks, etc.).

As your incandescent bulbs burn out, indoors and out, replace them with CFL or LED versions. These bulbs last 10 to 50 times longer and only use a fraction of the electricity. This is a must-do measure.

Change your AC filters

Electric leaf blowers & weed whackers

Attic door insulation

Weatherization

Clean filters increase the efficiency of your HVAC system and save you money. Change or clean them regularly.

These tools are a lot cheaper and quieter to operate than gas models, and a lot cleaner for the environment.

This is the most common heat-loss loca- tion in your ceiling. It is essential to insu- late and weatherstrip the trap door itself.

Weatherstrip around leaky doors and windows, add pre-cut foam inserts behind switchplates and wall sockets. Keep condi- tioned air where it belongs.

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