Best Ways to Save Energy in Your Home
1. Install a high-efficiency SEER heat pump or air conditioner
2. Have an AC/Heating service check-up performed twice per year by a reputable contractor
3. Get the right size unit for your home
4. Make sure your unit has the right refrigerant charge and airflow
5. Repair duct leaks
6. Insulate your duct work
7. Add insulation to your attic
8. Make sure you have adequate attic ventilation
9. Place shade screens on your windows to reduce heat from the sun by about 50%
10. Weatherize your home
11. Use a programmable thermostat
12. Use ceiling fans to circulate airflow in your home
10 No Cost Energy-Saving Tips
1. Switch off dishwasher dry cycle.
2. Run dishwashers just before bedtime and unload the next day to help shave peak demand.
3. Do laundry later in the evening to help shave peak demand.
4. Use cold-water cycle for more clothes.
5. Clean air filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation or line-dry clothes.
6. Lower hot water temperature if you never experience hot water shortages.
7. Unplug infrequently used televisions and DVD Players.
8. Shorten pumping cycle on pool and shift to off-peak time.
9. Close drapes or blinds in unoccupied rooms, keeping the heat in during winter and the hot sun out in summer.
10. Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer.
"Phantom Energy" Adds to Electric Bills
While Arizonans are going "green," becoming more mindful of recycling, reusing grocery bags, cutting fuel use and switching to more energy-saving
appliances and other products, "phantom energy" may take tiny bits of energy from electric outlets in their homes and offices.
According to the Arizona Department of Commerce's Energy Office, they are known as "phantom"
loads, and may include electrical cords for appliances, device chargers, electronics and other items left plugged in that sap energy, even if they
are turned off or not in use. The most likely culprits are appliances that power clocks or timers and/or can be turned on or off with a remote control.
"Phantom" loads are estimated to account for 10% of household power-consumption.
The solution is simple:
- Unplug products that are rarely used. The best example is the television and VCR in the second guest
room.
- Use a power strip with a switch to control clusters of products. The most likely targets are computer
clusters (PC, display, printer, scanner, speakers, wireless transmitter, etc.), video clusters (TV, DVD player, powered speakers, game consoles,
etc.), audio clusters (receiver, amplifier, CD players, etc.). Be sure to keep the set-top box and modem on a separate circuit to avoid loss of connection.
- Buy low-standby products. This sounds like reasonable advice but it's nearly impossible to follow
because few products list their standby power use. Most Energy Star endorsed products have lower standby.
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Arizona
Appliance Council ::
Arizona Electric Council
:: Arizona
Energy Managment Council ::
Arizona Evaporative Council