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Take the Chill Out of Winter Bills by Amber Bentley


♨ Seal and insulate: Tis is the best way to keep heat in and air out. Areas that may need sealing include corners, cracks, door frames, and windows.


♨ Consider replacing old appliances, doors, and windows with ENERGY STAR-rated models: You can save about 15 percent of your normal energy use with these appliances and get better insulation on doors and windows for the price you pay. ENERGY STAR-rated items meet special efficiency standards set by the federal government.


temperature drops. ♨ Lower your thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower): If you decrease the temperature by just one degree, you can save up to 5 percent on heating costs. Consider a programmable thermostat that you can set to lower the temperature when away from home and increase before you come back. ♨ Adjust blinds and curtains: Keep them open to let in sunlight during the day, and close at night to keep heat inside and protect from drafts. ♨ Reduce hot water temperatures: Heating water accounts for 12 percent of the average home’s energy use. Set your water heater’s thermostat to 120 degrees or lower—that’s usually sufficient for a household’s hot-water needs. Also, if you’ve had your water heater for more than 12 years, you might want to consider replacing it with a more energy-efficient model.


B 16 November 2013


etween holiday houseguests and shorter, colder days, electric bills tend to climb in the winter. Read on for ways to save energy when the


♨ Free your vents: HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems will have to work twice as hard if vents are blocked by rugs, furniture, or doors. Keep vents clear for proper air flow.


♨ Keep food cool: Don’t make your fridge work too hard. A temperature set between 34 and 37 degrees Fahrenheit is usually sufficient.


☃ A special holiday tip: Use LED lights to decorate. Tey’re up to 75 percent more energy efficient than traditional incandescent lights and last much longer—but check for an ENERGY-STAR rating before you buy. Cheaper LEDs tend not to last as long or be as durable.


Visit EnergysSavers.gov or TogetherWeSave. com for more ways to save.


Sources: http://blog.togetherwesave.com/ “Five Action Steps to Winter Energy Usage”; http://energy.gov/energysaver/articles/ top-10-tips-save-energy-and-money-winter; http://energy.gov/ energysaver/articles/tips-save-energy-during-holidays


Amber Bentley writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the Arlington, Va.- based service arm of the nation’s 900-plus consumer-owned, not-for- profit electric cooperatives.


Energy Efficiency


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