energy wise
It's Simple to Save Money on Water Heating
B
esides heating and cooling your home, heating your water uses more energy than anything else in the house.
In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the typical family spends up to 18 percent of its utility dollars on water heating.
Good news: It’s simple to lower that cost. Here are eight tips:
1. Get rid of your old showerheads and bathroom faucets: They pump out way more water than you need to comfortably get clean. In their place, install low-flow faucets and aerating showerheads. The less water you use, the less you have to pay to heat it.
2. If you notice a leaky faucet, repair it immediately. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that a faucet that drips 20 times per minute will waste a full gallon of water every day. If that happens to be hot water, you are washing money down the drain with every drip.
3. Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F. That’s a safe and sanitary temperature, and it will keep you comfortable at bath time, too.
4. Insulate your electric hot water tank—but don’t cover the thermostat. If your tank is gas or oil-fueled, don’t cover the top or bottom of the heater
or its burner compartment. You might need to ask a plumber for help.
5. Wrap the hot and cold water pipes that connect to the water heater—for about six feet out.
6. Drain about a quart of water from the tank every three months to remove sediment. Built-up gunk in the water heater can make it inefficient because it has to work harder to transfer to heat to the water.
7. If you’re in the market for a new water heater, choose a high- efficiency model with the Energy Star label. High-efficiency water heaters use 10 percent to 50 percent less energy than traditional models.
8. Water heaters last for up to 15 years, but new models are so much more energy efficient than older ones that it’s worth it to replace yours if you’ve had it for seven or more years.
The Cooperative Advantage
at Work Touchstone Energy turns 15!
of Touchstone Energy Cooperatives, the branding program of the
A nation’s electric co-ops.
Touchstone Energy Cooperatives represents a network of 741 co-ops serving 30 million members in 46 states, all committed to improving the quality of life for families and businesses in the communities they serve.
Kiamichi Electric has been a proud member of the brand since 2003.
Starting with a single TV commercial in 1998, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives now provides co-ops like Kiamichi Electric with more than 50 powerful programs and tools. Touchstone Energy Cooperatives’ programs support communications, economic development, community engagement, and residential energy programs.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY Tip of the Month
Keep energy efficiency in mind as you plan spring landscaping. Properly selected and planted trees, shrubs, and bushes can create a windbreak that lowers home heating bills in the winter and insulates your home year-round. Before you start, check on the right plants and techniques for your climate at
EnergySavers.gov.
—U.S. Department of Energy
Kiamichi Electric encourages member engagement through the Co-op Connections Card. This program has saved Kiamichi Electric members over half a million dollars since 2008. Kiamichi Electric also promotes energy efficiency with
TogetherWeSave.com and other energy saving benefits.
Serving members with accountability, integrity, innovation, and commitment to community are core values that all Touchstone Energy Cooperatives share. To learn more,please visit
www.touchstoneenergy.coop.
pril showers may include some celebrating as electric co-op's around the country recognize the 15th birthday
Light Post | march-april 2013 | 7
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