SECU has partnered with NC GreenPower in order to provide energy saving tips that
will save members money as well as benefit the environment. These are easy and
quick adjustments that can be made without drastic changes to ones day to day life.
Helpful Tips from our current and past editions of Grassroots:
Does your A/C need a tune up? Get it checked now - operational
problems can cause extremely high bills.
Screensavers are fun, but they don't save energy. Set your computer to
energy-saving sleep mode, or turn off your computer when you're not using it.
Unless it's filled to capacity, consider unplugging that second refrigerator in
the garage or utility room and see substantial savings on your power bill!
One compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulb is four times more efficient than
a regular bulb, while giving off the same amount of light.
Don't make your heater work harder than it has to - make sure furniture
and curtains aren't blocking any vents.
During the winter months, set your thermostat at 68 to 70°F during
the day and 60 to 65°F at night.
Dirty filters waste energy. Change your filters monthly for optimum
efficiency.
Ceiling fans use no more electricity than light bulbs and can make you feel three
to four degrees cooler. Turn off your fans when you leave - they only cool people, not
rooms.
Install energy saving low-flow shower heads to reduce hot water usage.
Set your temperature a little higher. Most people are comfortable with a setting
of 78-80 degrees, plus you'll save 7-10% of your cooling costs for each degree above 78.
For central air conditioning systems, keep the fan switch on your thermostat in the
"auto" position when cooling - this gives you better cooling and humidity control. Having
the fan switch "on" continuously could cost $25 more each month on your electric bill.
Wash your clothes in the coolest water possible. About 80% of the energy used to run
your washer comes from heating the water.
Use a fan to keep cool and ease the strain on your AC. Fans move air which
cools the body and use far less energy than a standard air conditioning unit.
Keep shades up in the winter and remove any obstructions to sun-facing windows to
allow the heat of the sun to warm your home.
Have your insulation checked and repair small leaks around the house. Maintaining your
home can lead to significant savings in your power bill.
Look for helpful tips, like these, and even more ideas to appear in the current edition of
Grassroots as well as upcoming releases. For more information visit
NC GreenPower
as well as our Grassroots
newsletter.
