Energy Efficiency
Tips ....

10-20% of warm air from your home can be drawn into the chimney flue. You can spot a leaky damper by closing it and holding a lit candle inside the firebox.If the flame moves around or blows out, air is going up your chimney.

To resolve the problem, hire a chimney sweep for a good cleaning and to check the damper. It could reduce your annual heating bill by $500.

 

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY RESOURCES

 

Many people want to save energy and money at home. They want to reduce the amount of electricity they use and they want to lower their energy bills. Often they don't know how.

Since our inception more than 70 years ago, GCEA has been helping members learn how to use electricity efficiently. Now, through the internet, we are able to share energy efficiency information with a broader audience.

Electric cooperatives have joined together under the Touchstone Energy banner to offer an animated tour of a typical home with information on what can be altered, added to or updated to cut energy use and cost.

There are also videos to actually demonstrate how to improve a home. For example, this video explains how to caulk a home to more it more air tight and better prepared for the coming cold weather.

 

ENERGY EFFICIENCY TIPS

 

You can save energy by following these simple tips. Many of the suggestions don't require special tools and won't cost you a penny. But they will save you money if you follow them on a daily basis.

• Lower the Thermostat. When you are home and awake, set your thermostat as low as you can and still be comfortable. But turn the thermostat down 5-10 degrees when you go to work during the day or go to sleep at night.
• Maintain Your Heating System. Have your system serviced once a year by a professional to make sure it is operating efficiently. Replace furnace filters once a month or as needed during winter months. Clean the flue vent regularly in your wood- and pellet-burning heaters.

Reduce Heat Loss from your Fireplace. Keep your damper closed when you don't have a fire going.

• Take Advantage of Heat from the Sun. Open the curtains or blinds on your south-facing windows during the day to allow the sunlight to naturally heat your home. Close them at night to reduce the chill from cold windows.
• Cover Drafty Windows. Cover your windows and frame with heavy-duty, clear plastic. The plastic window film that you can purchase at the hardware store shrinks to a clear finish so you still have a view, but it keeps the drafts out.
• Seal Air Leaks. Caulk around your windows, doors, and any place where two different building materials meet.
• Turn the Water Heater Down. Set your water heater at 120°F.
• Turn Off the Water While Shaving and Brushing Teeth.
• Use Cold Water to Wash and Rinse Clothes.
• Wash Full Loads.
• Drain Your Water Heater. Drain some water from the water heater regularly to remove sediment.
• Clean the Refrigerator Coils. Once or twice a year, vacuum the coils behind and under your refrigerator. Watch video for more tips.
• Use the Right Size Pot/Pan on the Stove Burner. Don't put a small pot on a large burner.
• Cover Pots/Pans When Cooking. Using a cover helps reach higher temperatures quicker.
• Replace Light Bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Bulbs. CFL bulbs are most effective in high use areas where the lights are on for longer periods of time.
• Turn Off Lights When You Leave the Room.

 

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