4 simple changes to save some green
1. Change your heating/cooling temperature settings from 72 degrees to 70 degrees (winter), and 75 degrees to 77 degrees (summer) to save $18 per month.
2. Change your water heater temp. from high to low and save $1 per month.
3. Reduce your 50 inch plasma TV from being on 6 hours per day to 4 hours per day and save $2 per month.
4. Replace your pre-1993, 21 cubic foot side by side refrigerator with a new side by side Energy Star refrigerator and save $5 per month.
Total Savings: $26 per month or $312 per year.
July and August are typically the hottest months in Kansas. Here are some tips for saving energy during this sweltering season.
- Keep thermostat settings at 78 degrees or higher. Raise the temperature at night. Install a programmable thermostat.
- Move air with ceiling fans or use natural ventilation whenever possible.
- During hot, humid times, seal up the house and air-condition around the clock (set the thermostat and leave it).
- Close vents to unoccupied rooms.
- Run the bathroom exhaust fan while showering to reduce humidity.
- Have air-conditioners or heat pumps serviced. Change filters once a month or when needed.
- Close window shades and curtains on sun exposed windows.
- Minimize heat in the kitchen by grilling outdoors and using the microwave instead of the oven or stove.
- If you are replacing your air-conditioner, install a high-efficiency heat pump.
Facts about CFLs and Mercury
In Westar Energy's recent bill insert, we touted the merits of compact fluorescent light bulbs because they use 75% less energy than an incandescent light bulb, they last longer and produce less heat.
CFL's now come in many varieties and more are added to the market each year that have improved brightness and color characteristics. So, if you're looking for a bulb that has a brighter, whiter light, or a bulb that has a warmer, softer light, check the shelves at a local retailer. You're likely to find a bulb that will work for your lighting application needs.
Be sure and look for the EnergyStar label on any CFLs you purchase.
Since mercury is a necessary component in all CFLs, the bulbs should be disposed of properly to reduce the mercury from passing into the environment. Although each bulb contains only a small amount of mercury (no more than could fit on the tip of a ballpoint pen), the bulbs should be disposed of properly when they burn out. Check with your local city or county household hazardous waste agencies to see if they accept CFLs for recycling.
Home Depot stores across the U.S. have begun accepting CFLs for recycling. You can also check with other retailers in your community who sell lighting products to see if they are accepting CFLs for recycling.
Shawnee County and Sedgwick County have household hazardous waste sites that accept CFLs for recycling. Check with your local agency for times and locations.
If you break a CFL, carefully sweep it up with a whisk brook or a stiff piece of cardboard and deposit it in a sealed bag and place it in the trash. |