Today's Energy Insight

The temperatures are beginning to drop and winter weather will soon be here. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that sealing air loss and insulating the home can help homeowners save up to 20 percent on their heating costs. That, combined with its relatively low cost, makes insulation one of the most cost-effective values in increasing the energy efficiency of the home. Homes experience energy loss through inadequate insulation and gaps or cracks in the building envelope. Homes built as recently as 10 years ago were insulated to specs that are now considered inadequate. Up to 40 percent of a home’s energy loss escapes through the attic. Here are a few items to keep in mind as you prepare for the winter months ahead:

• Replace air filters in furnace - every month during the winter.
• Close fireplace flue when not in use (many flues are left open in homes for years without anyone noticing).
• Turn on the humidifier on your furnace and replace the humidifier pad.
• Repair weather stripping on outside doors.
• Make sure you have adequate attic insulation.
• Caulk and seal around all doors and windows.

Today's Energy Insight

If your water heater was manufactured before 2004, consider wrapping it with an insulating blanket designed specifically for this purpose. Newer water heaters don't need added insulation because the federal requirement for tank insulation was updated and increased in 2004. Most water heaters manufactured before then have less insulation which results in standby heat loss and wasted energy.

Water heating can account for as much as 17% of an average home's annual energy use so installing an insulating blanket can pay off quickly. Some manufacturers have specific guidelines for installing an insulating blanket, so be sure to check the owner’s manual. Also please note on gas units, areas not to cover include warning labels, the top of the unit, the pressure relief valve, the control panel, and any bottom air inlets.

And the last thought today on water heaters... it is a good idea to drain off a bucket of hot water from your water heater annually to remove sediment that will interfere with the heater's long-term use and efficiency. Speaking from recent experience at home, this was something we did not know should be done as preventative maintenance so we had to replace our water heater after we found years of sediment effecting our hot water pressure and ultimately damaging the unit.

Guest Reader Options

This fall there are 3 options for primary elementary classrooms when a teacher invites the Energy Efficiency Coordinator in as a guest reader. Please contact Sheri Brunner via email or call ext 8104 to schedule a visit with the EEC.

Today's Energy Insight

It's a brand new school year so now is the perfect time to make a resolution to save energy. If every building in our district reduced their overall energy consumption by 10%, the savings would be over $180,000 annually.

WOW… that is a HUGE cost avoidance for our district!!!

Saving energy stretches our district dollars further.

Thank You for doing Your part ~ Be Energy Smart!