The "inside" scoop on energy-saving
During the "dog days" of summer, when outside temperatures hover around 100 ºF, you probably expect your energy costs to rise as you use more electricity to cool your home. But what about the added cooling costs created by heat inadvertently generated within your home? Lights and household appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers and dryers, are often-overlooked sources of interior heat gain.
Because most of the energy that incandescent lamps use is given off as heat, use them only when necessary. Take advantage of daylight to illuminate your house, Consider switching to compact flourescent lamps, which use about 75 percent less energy than incandescent lamps and emit 90 percent less heat for the same amount of light.
Many household appliances, such as an oven or clothes dryer, generate significant amounts of heat. When possible, use them in the morning or late evening, when you can better tolerate the extra heat. Cook on an outside barbeque grill or use a microwave oven, which doesn’t generate as much heat and uses less energy than a gas or electric range.
Washers, dryers, dishwashers and water heaters generate large amounts of heat, plus humidity. Use cool water for laundry when possible, let your dishes air-dry and seal off your laundry room and water heater from the rest of the house.
New, energy-efficient appliances generate less heat and use less energy than older ones. When it’s time to purchase a new appliance, make certain it is energy-efficient. All new refrigerators, dishwashers and dryers display an EnergyGuide label indicating the estimated annual cost for operating the appliance or a standardized energy efficiency ratio. Compare appliances to buy the most efficient model for your needs.
For additional energy-saving ideas, log on to the U. S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network Web site at www.eren.doe.gov.
Try WFEC's residential energy calculator at http://calc.wfeca.com
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