There are many easy ways to reduce your energy use.

Heating and Cooling

As we all know, our energy usage is greatly impacted by Northern Nevada’s fluctuating temperatures. Here are some tips on how to regulate your home’s temperature as efficiently as possibly.

• Tend to Windows. Windows are a huge source of inefficiency in the home. To reduce: caulk window seals and cracks. You can check for leaks yourself with a candle or incense; if the flame or smoke moves you know you have a leak. For a professional, call Mary Winston of Energy Masters for a home energy audit (www.energymastershome.com). John Toth & Associates (www.aleedap.com) performs energy audits as well, and offers expert advice on renewable energy options for your home or office.

To keep the house warm in winter, switch out lighter curtains for heavier ones. And, install clear plastic or storm windows. Also for winter, open window coverings on the sunny side of your home to take advantage of free heat from the sun. Close the coverings on cloudy days or right after sunset. When it’s hot out, close blinds and drapes during the day to keep heat outside.

For all-season savings, replace old windows with double paned or Energy Star–approved windows.

• Insulate. Improper insulation is the biggest source of heat loss; don’t forget to insulate your floor or around electrical outlets and switch plates.

• Regulate Your Thermostat. In the cold months, set the thermostat to 68 degrees when home, and then back to 58 degrees when sleeping or when you’re not home more than four hours. In warm months, set the thermostat to 78 to 80 degrees when home and 5 to 10 degrees warmer at night or when you’re not home.

• Stir the Air. Use room fans to keep the air moving and reduce the feeling of heat in your home.

• Keep the Heater/Air Conditioner Running Optimally. Replace furnace and air conditioner filters when needed. Spray the filters with a light coating of lemon furniture polish or vegetable oil cooking spray to help trap dirt in the filter. Service your heating and air conditioning systems once a year, replacing them if necessary.

• Test and Seal the Ductwork.

Appliances and Electronics

When replacing appliances and electronics, look for the Energy Star label. This can save you about a third on their energy bill. By using Energy Star products, Americans saved enough energy in 2006 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 25 million cars, all while saving $14 billion on their utility bills.

Water Heaters

Replace your water heater with an on demand unit. In homes where hot water use is forty-one gallons or less daily, tankless, or on demand, water heaters can be about twenty-four to thirty-four percent more energy efficient than conventional storage tank water heaters, according to the U.S. Department of Energy data. In homes using about eighty-five gallons a day, they are eight to fourteen percent more efficient.

To keep traditional water heaters running as efficiently as possible: Set to 120 degrees for regular usage, and set on “vacation” when away.

Additional Tips

• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs).

• Cut back on flipping on the light switch by letting in more natural light with solar tubes, such as the Solatubes installed by Sun-e Concepts, and skylights.

• Turn off lights and appliances when not in use. Don’t forget your computer, which can use as much energy as a refrigerator.

• Wait until as late in the evening as possible to use your dishwasher, clothes washer, and dryer, as well as cook.

• Barbecue outside when you can.

• Vacuum your refrigerator coils (underneath and in the back) and don’t obstruct the coils. They need air space to work optimally.

• Keep the seals (gaskets) on refrigerators and freezers clean.

• Keep your freezer as full as possible. You can place containers or plastic bottles filled with water in the empty spaces.

• Run full loads in your washer and dryer, and use clotheslines and drying racks as much as possible.

• Allow dishes to air dry.

• Mind your power strips. At night and over the weekend turn off power strips. Or, invest in a Smart Strip Power Strip or Watt Stopper Plug Load Control; both are designed to help conserve energy.

• Unplug your televisions/VCR and other electronics when not being used and especially when you’re on vacation. Many electronics draw power even when they’re turned off.

• Keep lights and lighting fixtures clean, especially if you’re reducing the number of lights you use. Dirt absorbs light. Let lights cool before cleaning them and never touch halogen bulbs with your bare hands. The oil from your skin can greatly damage the bulbs. Use a small piece of paper to hold the bulb.

• If your dishwasher has a filter, clean it.

• Clean the reflectors underneath the burners on stovetops.

• Clean the furnace system and check ducts for leaks.

• Check the seals on your refrigerator and freezer.

• Replace normal thermostats with programmable thermostats.

HELPFUL RESOURCES

The Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency developed an on-line tool to see where to save the most energy in your home.

Go to http://hes.lbl.gov/ to try it yourself. This site has loads of great information on tips, questions for contractors, replacing appliances, furnaces, and more.