Here are some smart investments that will pay off by saving energy, lowering your energy bills, and improving our environment. The energy experts at EWEB can tell you which of these make the most sense for your home.
1. Properly insulate your attic, walls, floor, and ducts. Consult EWEB's Energy Management Services department to determine the appropriate amount of insulation for your home.
2. When replacing household appliances, choose equipment with the Energy Star rating. EWEB has rebates and programs to encourage the use of energy efficient appliances.
3. Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. CFLs use only one-third the energy of incandescent bulbs and last ten times longer. People in the Northwest are saving record levels of electricity, and switching to CFLs is the biggest contributor. Choose CFLs with the Energy Star rating because these bulbs meet higher standards for energy use, start and warm-up times, brightness, color, mercury content, and bulb life.
4. If you're repainting interiors, use lighter colors so the rooms won't need as much light. Lighter paint colors also tend to contain fewer toxins.
5. Install programmable thermostats for zonal heating systems such as ceiling, wall, and baseboard heating. EWEB has a thermostat program for zonal heating to help replace the most common thermostats.
6. Have forced air ducts checked for leaks. EWEB has a duct-sealing program with free testing and the financing to help with repairs.
7. If you have a ducted or ductless heat pump system, get an annual tune-up with EWEB's heat pump diagnostic service. If you have a forced-air furnace system, have it inspected annually so it runs efficiently.
8. Install a heat pump to replace your existing heating system. EWEB has a program with incentives, specifications, and approved contractors.
9. Recycle that extra refrigerator or freezer. Older fridges can use three times the electricity of newer models. EWEB has a program with a $30 rebate for recycling your old fridge or freezer, and a contractor who removes your old fridge and recycles all the components. When buying a new fridge or freezer, choose an energy efficient model with the Energy Star rating and get a $25 rebate from EWEB.
10. Replace single-pane windows with windows that have the Energy Star rating. EWEB has a window replacement program to assist you with incentives, specifications, and approved contractors.
11. Use photocells or motion sensors on outdoor lighting so they only turn on when it's dark or someone is present.
12. Cover your hot tub between uses, and install and use a clock timer to reduce standby heat loss.
13. Install a solar hot water heater. EWEB has a solar program with incentives, specifications, and approved contractors.
14. Create shade in the summer by planting the right tree in the right spot. For recommendations on what tree is right for your yard, contact EWEB.
15. If it's time to reroof, choose shingles that are lighter in color. Black shingles absorb great amounts of heat in the summer, so if you want you and your home to stay cooler in the heat, pick a lighter color for your roof.
16. If you're building a new home, design an energy efficient home. EWEB has a program to assist you in building a new home that is energy efficient, healthy, durable, and environmentally responsible.
For more tips, advice, and information about saving energy and lowering your utility bills, rely on the energy experts at EWEB. We offer a variety of rebates and loans for energy efficiency improvements to your home or business.
