This page contains a Flash digital edition of a book.
our Energy Efficiency Youth Tour


Take a Vacation from High Power Bills family during


Soaring temperatures and sultry summer nights can cause electric bills to skyrocket. This summer, take a vacation from high electric bills by making your home—and your family’s habits—more energy efficient. Beat the Heat


Air conditioning helps most Americans beat the swelter- ing summer heat. According to the U.S. Department of En- ergy (DOE), air conditioning accounts for as much as 50 percent of the average house- hold electric bill. Proper main- tenance and smart use of your home’s cooling system will help keep your electric bill in check. First, make sure your air conditioner’s external unit is clean and free of debris. Clear away dead leaves or over- grown plants and weeds to enable the unit to perform as it should.


Second, change all of the air filters inside your home quar- terly, or more often in homes with allergy sufferers or smok- ers.


Fresh filters not only reduce the strain on your cooling sys- tem, but improve the air quality in your home. Third, the DOE recommends that you set your home’s ther- mostat as high as possible, while still maintaining a com- fortable environment for your


the summer months.


Bumping the thermostat up at least two degrees can make a noticeable difference on your power bill. Investing in a programmable thermostat can lead to even greater savings by automatically adjusting it so that the cooling system runs more often when you are at home and less often when you are away.


Made in the Shade


Windows are not only great sources of natural light in your home, but also great sources of heat during the summer. Cur- tains, blinds, and shades are some of the most cost-effective ways to make your windows and home more energy effi- cient. These window coverings offer low- cost, stylish solutions to shield the sun’s rays and keep the interior of your home cool and comfortable. Proper weather stripping and caulk- ing around window panes and casings will also improve the function of your windows by keeping the cool air in and the hot air out. Solar film applied to your home’s existing windows will further repel the summer heat.


Daily Grind Today’s appliances are more energy efficient than ever, per- forming better and using less


electricity than they did in the past. But despite their function- ality and efficiency, most major household appliances give off heat when in use. During peak daytime temperatures, the residual heat from appliances can put an unnecessary strain on your home’s cooling system and send your power bill soar- ing. Cooler temperatures in the early morning or late evening make these ideal times for run- ning the dishwasher or washing and drying clothes. When pos- sible, turn off your dishwasher’s dryer cycle. This prevents even more residual heat from warm- ing your home and saves on your power bill. Washing your clothes in cold water and hang- ing them out to dry are also great strides in reducing your household energy consump- tion.


As your summer heats up, call on your friends at Kay Electric Cooperative for more ways to lower your power bill. You can also visit TogetherWe- Save.com to find out how little changes around the house can add up to big energy savings. Sources: U.S. Department of Energy, EnergySavers.gov, TogetherWeSave.com


1144503


5


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92  |  Page 93  |  Page 94  |  Page 95  |  Page 96  |  Page 97  |  Page 98  |  Page 99  |  Page 100  |  Page 101  |  Page 102  |  Page 103  |  Page 104  |  Page 105  |  Page 106  |  Page 107  |  Page 108  |  Page 109  |  Page 110  |  Page 111  |  Page 112  |  Page 113  |  Page 114  |  Page 115  |  Page 116  |  Page 117  |  Page 118  |  Page 119  |  Page 120  |  Page 121  |  Page 122  |  Page 123  |  Page 124  |  Page 125  |  Page 126  |  Page 127  |  Page 128  |  Page 129  |  Page 130  |  Page 131  |  Page 132  |  Page 133  |  Page 134  |  Page 135  |  Page 136  |  Page 137  |  Page 138  |  Page 139  |  Page 140  |  Page 141  |  Page 142  |  Page 143  |  Page 144  |  Page 145  |  Page 146  |  Page 147  |  Page 148  |  Page 149  |  Page 150  |  Page 151  |  Page 152  |  Page 153  |  Page 154  |  Page 155  |  Page 156  |  Page 157  |  Page 158  |  Page 159  |  Page 160  |  Page 161  |  Page 162  |  Page 163  |  Page 164  |  Page 165  |  Page 166  |  Page 167  |  Page 168