Today's Energy Insight

Bring on the Heat!

Just a little over a month ago, we were dealing with a blizzard and over Memorial weekend we had temps of 100+ degrees! Now that summer temps have arrived, here are some ways to save energy during hot weather...

Using ceiling fans to circulate air will make you feel cooler and possibly allow you to raise the temperature setting on your AC thermostat by a few degrees. But be sure to turn the fan off when you leave the room, because fans cool people, not space.

Shift energy-intensive household chores such as laundry and dishwashing to off-peak hours – nights, mornings, weekends – when there is less strain on the power grid, and operate these units with full loads to get the most for your energy dollars.

Plug energy leaks with weather stripping and caulking and be sure your house is properly insulated to save up to 20 percent on cooling (and winter heating) bills.

Today's Energy Insight

Now that warm summer weather has decided to stick around for a while, here are just a few tips to keep in mind when it comes to operating your air conditioner more efficiently:

• Get a tune up. Have your AC tuned up by a qualified heating contractor every other year. This will help it operate more efficiently and may prevent failures in the middle of peak cooling season.
• Keep the condenser and filter clean. Keep leaves, grass and other debris away from the outside condenser. Also, clean the filter monthly and replace it as needed. A clean condenser and filter help the unit run more efficiently.
• Keep vents clear. Make sure furniture and drapes are not blocking air vents. This allows the cool air to move out into the rooms and keeps your air conditioner from running more than necessary.
• Turn up the thermostat setting. When home, set it a couple of degrees higher. Before you head out, move the setting even higher, about 78 to 80 degrees. Cooling the house back down a few degrees when you return costs less than keeping it cool while you are gone.
• Keep thermostats clear of heat. Don’t place heat-producing devices such as computers or TVs near your thermostat. Heat from these could cause the thermostat to read a higher temp leading to excessive cooling and wasted energy.

Today's Energy Insight

Whether you have a traditional, tropical or funky ceiling fan overhead, it still needs to be spinning in a counter-clockwise direction during the summer cooling months. And be sure to turn your ceiling fan off in unoccupied rooms because fans cool people, not the air. It's similar to a wind-chill effect. Be energy smart and don't let fans run all day in unoccupied areas.

Today's Energy Insight

The GREENEST POWER is the power you don't have to produce!

It's really quite simple if you think about it. The most efficient energy available to us today is the energy we don't have to produce in the first place.

Today's Energy Insight

According to the American Solar Energy Society, enough sunlight falls on the earth's surface each minute to meet the world energy demand for how long?

A)  24 hours            B)  8 weeks

C)  6 months           D)  an entire year

Scroll down to check your answer...






































































The correct answer is D) an entire year! Wow! Who knew?

Today's Energy Insight

Did you know when you save energy anywhere in the district you are saving money??? Money that would have been spent on energy (i.e. utilities like gas and electric) is then able to be spent on other expenses throughout the district. Saving energy stretches our district dollars further so when you flip that switch, adjust the thermostat or power down those electronics like computers, you are being a good steward of our financial resources AND a responsible steward of our earth's natural resources.

Keep up the good work and keep stretching those dollars!

Today's Energy Insight

The EPA estimates that 80% of these and 70% of these
used in offices are left on overnight.


A)  Fax machines and radios

B) Task lights and computer monitors

C) Printers and copy machines

D) Coffee pots and lava lamps


Scroll down to check your answer...

All of these items are left on at various times but 80% of printers and 70% of copiers are left on in offices resulting in lost energy. If you are the last one in your area, please be sure these items are shut off for the night. Also, try to get in the habit of using the energy saver button found on most copy machines. Every little effort, no matter how small, does make a difference, thanks for doing your part! Oh, and C is the correct answer.

Clear the Clutter!

Spring has finally sprung and as thoughts turn to spring cleaning keep in mind it can apply to both your home
and your classroom or work space.

Keeping vents free of boxes, books, files and other air blocking items can really save energy. It takes 25% more energy to pump air into your space if vents are blocked.