energy wise ■
Spring Forward Prepare Now For Summer Heat
program, you might even save a buck on their visit. Participating contractors are listed on page 16 of this issue.
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BY JOHNDRAKE COOPERATIVE ENERGY ADVISOR
allejulah, winter is over, and what a doozy. Between high bill complaints and energy audits, I’ve spent more time in the homes of co-op members than I have in my own. During these visits we discovered everything from malfunctioning heating units to open windows and yes, excessive use of space heaters.
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In most cases our recommendations were welcomed and proved helpful. When we encountered problems beyond our scope, we urged the member to contact an electrician to check for shorts and other problems that could increase usage. But the biggest culprit behind high winter bills remains the obvious and persistent cold temperatures we experienced.
Now, it is spring. While it’s easy to be lulled by the mild weather, it’s my job to remind you that summer is coming. As your wise and admittedly weary energy specialist, I encouraege you to prepare for the broiling season before it arrives. Adding even a few of these items to your list of spring chores can help make your home more energy efficient and deliver electric bills that won’t make you sweat.
Start with your air conditioner.
Spring and early summer are good times to make sure that your air conditioning unit is ready to work when you flip the switch:
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Get help from a professional who can inspect and service your unit. If you contact one of the contractors who participates in the Co-op Connections
ENERGY EFFICIENCY Tip of the Month
These days, it may be easier to trim your refrigerator’s energy use than it is to trim your waistline. Consider this energy-saving and maintenance regimen to keep your refrigerator in shape: Set the refrigerator temperature above 37°F. Make sure door seals are in place and are snug when closed. Also, be sure to keep outside coils unobstructed and clean; dirty ones could overwork the unit’s compressor.
Source:
Energy.gov
Give your air conditioner a do-it- yourself cleaning. Shut the unit off, and clear away leaves and yard debris outside. Inside the unit, clean or replace filters that can restrict air flow and reduce overall efficiency by making the air conditioner work harder on hot summer days. Dust the fan blades if you can do it safely. Make sure air can flow freely over the inside and outside coils. Vacuum registers to remove any dust buildup.
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Check weather stripping. When using window units, ensure that weather stripping is in place. Placement should be between the middle of the top window pane and the bottom pane.
Check out your roof.
See how well your roof weathered the winter. Few things can shorten the life of your home faster than a roof leak, even a minor one can damage your attic insulation before you know it. A roofing professional can help you assess and repair things like loose or missing shingles, leaks, and gutters that need cleaning.
Make your electric cooperative a resource.
At Choctaw Electric both Brad Kendrick and myself are available to help you find ways to save energy. After visiting with you and reviewing your usage, we may recommend a free energy audit. Like a visit to your local doctor, the news may not be what you want to hear. In most cases it will require some action on your part. Follow through and you’ll be happier with your energy costs. In the meantime, check out
togetherwesave.com for a number of actions you can take to help you save.
For questions about your home’s energy usage or to schedule a free home energy audit, please contact John Drake at 800-780-6486, ext. 233.
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