Green Team Tip of the Week #7
Did
you know about the Home Energy Solutions Program offered to CT
Residents by the
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund? (http://ctenergyinfo.com). Participating in the
program will help reduce
your energy bills, lower your
carbon footprint, and make your
home more comfortable.
Many
Rock Cats employees have taken advantage of the program. We use Lantern Energy (www.lanternenergy.com).
You should too!
You
may also be able to receive rebates to purchase energy efficient
appliances
Connecticut Energy Efficiency Fund.
Here are some additional tips to make existing household
appliances and
features more efficient:
Refrigerators:
Other than
a pool pump, the refrigerator probably uses more electricity than any
other
appliance in your house.
- For the most efficient use of energy, keep both the refrigerator and freezer full. If you don't have enough food to fill the space, keep bottles of water on the doors to act as insulators
- Never put warm
food in the fridge. When
you put food that hasn't fully cooled down in the
refrigerator, you ask it to work harder to maintain the proper
temperature,
leading to increased levels of energy usage.
- Consider where
you place your refrigerator. To
run efficiently the fridge must have
adequate airflow. Too
close to the wall
or cabinets can make it work harder and use more energy. Also, don't put your
refrigerator directly
next to something that generates heat or directly in the sun.
- Clean the back
and bottom of your refrigerator for energy
efficiency to be maintained. Make sure temperature is set properly and
not too
high.
Oven:
- Make
sure the oven is clean. Spills
and burnt spots lead to inefficient heating.
Heating/Cooling:
- Utilize
interior or exterior storm windows. They can stop
drafts and reduce you heating and cooling bills substantially.
- Be aware that a
fireplace can act as a vacuum system pulling
cold air into the house and enabling heated air to escape. Utilize an
energy
efficient fireplace.
- Turn Down your
Thermostat - Most
households shell out 50 to 70% of their energy budgets on heating and
cooling. For every degree you lower the thermostat, you'll save between
1 and 3% of your heating bill. Do the same thing in reverse with air
conditioning
When
you do shop for a new appliance, look for
the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR products usually exceed minimum
federal
standards by a substantial amount
Visit
the Green Team house at the front gate of
the stadium or go to www.lanternenergy.com
for more information.
