In the News -
December 2007
Brrr… it's cold outside - Spend smart on energy when the temperature drops
LITTLE ROCK - Saving money is just one way specialists with the University of
Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service help Arkansans every day. Through various
financial management programs, the extension service is increasing the financial
literacy of all Arkansans.
"Spend smart on energy" is a program taught by county agents and specialists
that helps consumers reduce their heating and cooling bills every year.
Heating your home can get very expensive, but you can take steps to protect
your pocketbook against Old Man Winter.
Laura Connerly, extension family resource management instructor, says the
first step in saving money is to conduct a home energy audit. The audit will
pinpoint where you're losing energy. You can either conduct the energy audit
yourself or hire a professional.
To get started, check for air leaks, or drafts.
"You may save anywhere from 5 percent to 30 percent on your heating bill by
reducing drafts," Connerly says.
Heat can be lost through the ceiling and walls. If you have an older home,
have an inspector check the insulation. You may need to seal gaps around pipes,
ductwork and chimneys. Some other common places air may escape include:
Inside
- Electrical outlets
- Switch plates
- Baseboards
- Fireplace dampers
- Attic hatches
- Wall- or window-mounted air conditioners
- Windows and doors; if you can rattle them or see daylight around the frame,
you probably need new caulking or weather stripping.
Outside
- Inspect areas where two different building materials meet; for example,
exterior corners, siding and chimneys, and around the foundation
- Plug and caulk holes around doors and windows
- Inspect faucets, pipes and wiring
- Seal cracks in mortar, foundation and siding
Another tip for saving money on your heating bills is to have your heating
equipment serviced once a year. You should check the filters once a month and
replace them as needed.
Consider investing in a programmable thermostat.
"Set your thermostat comfortably low during the winter and dress in layers to
stay warm," says Connerly.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, lighting counts for 5 percent to
10 percent of the electric bill. The first step to saving money on lighting is
to examine the wattage of light bulbs. It's possible you're using a 100-watt
light bulb when a 60-watt bulb would do just fine. Also, consider using compact
fluorescent lamps. Fluorescent bulbs use 66 percent less energy and last up to
10 times longer than regular bulbs.
Heating water accounts for 15 percent of the energy bill. The U.S. Department
of Energy suggests insulating the hot water tank and setting the temperature no
higher than 120 degrees F. Take shorter showers, and only do full loads of
laundry. Using cold water for laundry, when possible, can also cut down on hot
water use.
Finally, check out the weatherization assistance program. This program
enables low-income families to permanently reduce their energy bills, making
their homes more energy efficient. It's the country's longest running, and
perhaps most successful, energy efficiency program. On average, weatherization
reduces heating bills by 31 percent per year.
Hopefully, these tips will keep you warm in the winter without overheating
over the energy bill.
The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the U of A Division of
Agriculture.
Related Links
December 7, 2007
Media Contact: Elizabeth Fortune
Extension Communications Specialist
U of A Division of Agriculture
Cooperative Extension Service
(501) 671-2120
efortune@uaex.edu
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