Swapping six incandescent bulbs to CFLs or LEDs can save you $60 per year.
Compared to traditional bulbs:
Finding the right bulb for each fixture can be challenging with so many options. When it comes to light bulbs, not all are created equal. Experts recommend sticking with trusted name brands for a quality bulb that will not burn out prematurely. Also, not all LEDs and CFLs are dimmable. Choose a bulb that specifically says that it is dimmable if that is what you need. Use the same approach when shopping for bulbs to work with motion sensors and electric timers. You don’t have to sacrifice warm light and convenience to save energy.
For CFLs installed outside, check the label for temperature ranges, as extremely low temperatures can affect some bulbs. LEDs are a better option outside, as they actually perform even better in the cold.
The life of the bulb can be found on the label, which estimates how long the bulb will last. For hard to reach fixtures, a longer lasting bulb might be a high priority for you.
Lumens determine how much light a bulb gives off. The higher the number of lumens, the brighter the source will be.
There are several colors of light with CFLs and LEDs, from a soft yellow glow to a bright white light. Look for the Kelvin (K) ratings on the label. The higher the number, the cooler (bluer or whiter) the light is. Common Kelvin ratings are 2700K (warm), 3000 – 5000K (bright) and 5500K (daylight). Some retailers even display different colored bulbs for you to experience before you buy. A traditional incandescent is approximately 2,700 K.
Heating your house is your biggest energy expense, the average family in rural Alaska pays over $4,000 a year. You can save as much as 10 percent (meaning hundreds of dollars) if you turn your thermostat down 7°-10°F for 8 hours a day.
A programmable thermostat is an easy way to control the temperature in your home. It keeps your home comfortable. The thermostat turns down the heat while you’re at work and sleeping, and turns it back up when you’re home. Programmable thermostats can store multiple daily settings (six or more temperature settings a day) that you can manually override without affecting the rest of the day or week.
The average homeowner saves 33 percent a year on energy costs after making the recommended changes from an assessment. Stop wasting money, if you’re ready to save hundreds of dollars a year sign up for an energy audit today.
Make a game of it and see if you can save more energy than your friends! If you are a Chugach Electric residential member in Anchorage, the MyPower pilot program provides detailed information on electric usage so you can save energy and money. The Opower Social Energy Application allows anyone to share and compare energy usage with friends on Facebook. Chugach members can have their electrical data automatically uploaded, others can enter their own use from their bills.
MyPower allows members to:
The Social Energy Application allows members to:
Both allow you to discover great tips on saving energy and money and much more!
Have questions? Visit www.chugachelectric.com for more information.
The pilot program is designed to inform Chugach Electric Association’s residential members about their energy use and assist them in taking steps toward reducing energy consumption. The program is funded by the Alaska Energy Authority’s “Biggest State to Biggest Saver” grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. The pilot is comprised of two different online tools that have been developed by Opower, a leader in the field of utility consumer engagement.
You might be out of school but there are still cases where you need to do your homework. There are two price tags on every appliance you purchase, the initial cost and the cost of its energy use over time. It may be cheap to start with but the cost of running an inefficient appliance can add up quickly. Before you buy a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR logo. Remember, buying ENERGY STAR rated appliances is an investment in energy savings and your home because these appliances are up to 40 percent more efficient.
ENERGY STAR is a government-backed program that rates the energy efficiency of a product based on a set of guidelines established by the Environmental Protection Agency. An ENERGY STAR label means the product reduces greenhouse gas emissions. It also means the product offers energy savings without sacrificing performance, features and comfort.
You might as well be pouring yourself a cup of cash if you have a conventional water cooler. ENERGY STAR estimates the average water cooler uses about 7 billion kWH a year. ENERGY STAR qualified coolers can save you up to 45 percent, or about $240 over the lifetime of the cooler.
Say bye, bye to the dust bunnies. A thin layer of dust will reduce your bulb’s brightness, forcing you to turn on additional lights to get the same effect. Adding a fresh coat of paint in a light color can also brighten up the workplace.
Instead of just swapping out your bulbs, consider investing in new lighting fixtures. Incandescent and fluorescent lamps can lose up to 30 percent of their output overtime.
Most Alaska workplace buildings have outdated HVAC (Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems. Modernizing your system with digital controls, an Energy Management System, and more efficient fans, motors, and controls can cut your energy bills by about $200 a year.
Whether it’s old or new, keeping your HVAC system in tip-top shape will save you in the long run. Have a contractor come in annually to perform tasks like lubricating moving parts, checking the thermostat and pressure, and inspecting the controls.
What would you buy the office if you were saving thousands of bucks a month? Stop dreaming and make it happen. After businesses make the changes recommended after an energy audit, the average company saves up to 30 percent a year.
Don’t let empty cubicles waste money. Be sure to unplug any computers, printers and lamps that are not being used.