Save Energy This Winter without Spending a Dime

As fall turns to winter, energy usage turns into higher energy bills and, according to the Department of Energy, 2007 energy costs are increasing. While there are plenty of costly ways to save on your utility bills this winter -- buying a high efficiency furnace, radiant floor heating system or solar-paneled roof -- there also are things you can do to cut energy usage that won’t cost you a dime.

“We’re seeing a trend with consumers who want to live comfortably and efficiently,” says Chuck Smith, CEO of Hunter Fan. Smith says many consumers aren’t willing to sacrifice their comfort in the name of energy efficiency, but they do want smart solutions for consuming less.

“Having the right products and home infrastructure is only part of the equation, “says Smith. “Some of the most effective energy savings solutions can be implemented simply by knowing what to look for around your home.”

According to Smith, some of the most effective energy-savings solutions are right under your nose or, in one case, right above your head.

Follow these no-cost energy saving tips for the winter:

Flip the Switch … on Your Ceiling FanThat is

A ceiling fan is naturally energy efficient -- it circulates air while using very little electricity. Most people don’t realize a ceiling fan can help warm you up in the winter as easily as it can cool you down in the summer. In fact, less than 25 percent of people are taking advantage of the easy energy savings a ceiling fan affords.

“One of the most economical ways to save energy during the winter is to run your ceiling fan in the proper direction,” says Sandy DeWald, ceiling fans product manager for Hunter. “Many people cringe at the notion of lowering their thermostat when it’s cold out because they do not want to sacrifice comfort for lower energy bills. That’s why the ceiling fan is so important. Operated correctly, a ceiling fan that’s sized appropriately for the room can save you up to 10 percent on your heating bills.”

As DeWald explains, most ceiling fans have a switch that controls the direction of the blades. When the fan runs counter-clockwise, it blows air down, providing the cooling effect desired during warmer months. By running the fan clockwise, during colder months, it circulates the warm air near the ceiling. This circulating effect makes the room warmer, which decreases demands on heating systems and allows you to comfortably turn down your thermostat to save on energy costs.

“Turning down your thermostat just one degree can save you two percent on your heating bills,” adds DeWald. “What makes the ceiling fan even more economical is that it only costs a few pennies a day to operate.”

Get With the Program

If you don’t believe a programmable thermostat can save you a lot of money, keep reading. According to Energy Star, while many homes today have a programmable thermostat, approximately 70 percent of consumers find it too difficult to operate and, as a result, lose out on energy savings.

“Forgetting to turn down your thermostat just one time before you leave for work can mean several dollars in lost energy savings,” says Erich Schroeder, thermostat product manager for Hunter. “People have enough on their minds, and that’s why a programmable thermostat is so useful -- it doesn’t forget.”

Programmable thermostats save energy by offering convenient, pre-programmed temperature settings that allow you to scale temperatures back as you leave and warm things up upon your return. When used properly, a programmable thermostat can save you as much as $150 annually in energy costs.

“Most people perceive that a programmable thermostat is difficult to program and therefore don’t use it appropriately, but it can be as easy to set as an alarm clock. The only difference is an alarm clock won’t save you hundreds of dollars each year in energy savings -- a programmable thermostat will,” adds Schroeder.

Go Unplugged

Did you know that up to 75 percent of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off? According to the Department of Energy (DOE), power continues to run through your home electronics even when you have them turned off -- yes, even the coffee maker.

Now, consider that approximately 60 percent of your energy bill is electricity -- 15 percent of that from electrical devices -- and it’s easy to imagine how much you can save as a result of doing some simple unplugging this winter.

Some of the most common household devices that consume electricity while not in operation include: computers, TVs, cable boxes, cell phone chargers and other power adapters and anything else with a microchip that requires at least some juice to keep its inner clock ticking. So, while you might think it’s a nice convenience to have a clock around every corner, if you want to save money, don’t rely on your VCR or microwave to display the time.

Creating a daily unplugging routine is easy. For starters, go around the house and unplug those devices that do not need to be plugged in, especially those that operate in standby mode such as computers and home entertainment systems. According to the National Resources Defense Fund, cable and satellite set-up boxes, and digital video recorders are among the worst offenders of using energy when not in use.

For those often-used devices that also are found in groups, such as the TV, cable and surround sound system or the computer, printer and scanner, use a power strip. It allows you to run a number of devices from one power source and operates via one convenient switch.

Assess Your Saving Potential.

If you are interested in energy savings but don’t know where to start, performing a home energy audit is a good first step.

Performing an energy audit will help you prioritize your energy upgrade needs and give you a better understanding for how you and your home consume energy. A good energy auditor will uncover any air leaks or insulation problems and recommend energy saving products. The Department of Energy provides a free, do-it-yourself plan that can be found at www.eere.energy.gov.

Check with your local energy company to see if they offer free professional audits. If your energy company does not perform them, they should be able to recommend an agency that will. A professional audit will give you a more accurate assessment than one you do on your own.

Courtesy of ARAcontent