Today's Energy Insight

Is your refrigerator running and is it pushed up as close to the wall as possible? Pulling your refrigerator forward just one inch can reduce its energy consumption by as much as 40%!

Additionally, regular vacuuming and cleaning beneath and behind a refrigerator can also help it operate more efficiently.

Today's Energy Insight

The Heat is On!

         Here are some tips for beating the summer heat…

• Choose meals that don't contribute additional heat to your home (use a microwave or outdoor grill instead of an oven).
• Delay running the dishwasher until after 10 p.m. or first thing in the a.m.
• Delay washing clothes until after 10 p.m. or first thing in the a.m.
• Turn off excess lights and keep curtains and draperies closed.
• Turn off computers and other electrical equipment when not in use.
• Avoid leaving doors open for extended periods of time.
• If you're using A/C, turn your thermostat up a couple degrees to save energy.
• Only run fans and ceiling fans when a room is occupied. Fans cool people not space.
• Keep yourself and any children or pets hydrated.

Keep in mind, this won't last… before we know it, fall weather will be upon us. Enjoy the diversity of the seasons in Minnesota!

Today's Energy Insight

KEEP YOUR COOL!

Stay cool in the summer and warm in the winter by adjusting your clothing rather than your thermostat. You'll stay comfortable and save energy too.

If you are continually too hot or too cold in your office or area, talk to the head building operator in your facility so they can address any HVAC issues that may be the cause.

Today's Energy Insight

By now you have probably heard compact fluorescent bulbs (CFLs) and light emitting diode bulbs (LEDs) use less energy and last longer than incandescent bulbs but here is something else to consider…

Standard incandescent bulbs create more heat than light, up to 90% of the energy these bulbs use is given off as heat. When running A/C, incandescent bulbs are actually working against you.  If you switch to CFLs or LEDs your cooling costs will go down along with your lighting costs.