As summer temperatures heat up again, the Bonneville Power Administration is sharing simple tips that can help consumers stay cool and save energy.
"There are a lot of easy things folks can do to stay cool and not get hit with a big electric bill," said Richard Genece, vice president of Energy Efficiency for BPA.
Since 1980, BPA and Northwest publicly owned electric utilities have helped homeowners, businesses, industrial facilities, farmers and irrigators collectively save about 1,500 average megawatts of electricity or about $955 million on their electric bills.
These 10 tried-and-true tips can help you trim your energy use this summer.
• 1. Circulate. If you don't have air conditioning, use portable or ceiling fans to move air throughout your home. Even a mild breeze can make you feel 3 to 4 degrees cooler.
• 2. Ventilate. In the morning or evening, open a window high on the cool side of your house and another one low on the opposite side to promote natural cross-ventilation.
• 3. Set and save. If you have A/C, set your thermostat to 78 degrees or higher. For every degree above 75, you can save about 5 percent on your bill. And a programmable thermostat helps you avoid unnecessary cooling costs while you're away.
• 4. Clean. A new or clean air filter can reduce your air conditioner's energy consumption by 5 to 15 percent and help it operate more safely and efficiently.
• 5. Clear. Make sure your air vents aren't blocked by furniture or other items.
• 6. Block the sun. Use shades, curtains and window coverings to create an extra layer of insulation. According to the Department of Energy, medium-colored draperies can reduce heat gain by 33 percent and reflective blinds can reduce it by about 45 percent.
• 7. Power down. Turn off heat-generating devices, such as TVs, computers, stereos and lamps when you're not using them. And only wash full loads of dishes and clothes.
• 8. Fire it up. Avoid using your oven on hot days. Grill outside, cook on the stovetop or use your microwave oven instead. (Always check for local fire restrictions.)
• 9. Swap your bulbs. Changing your bulbs can reduce lighting-related heat. A standard 100-watt light bulb produces 10 percent light and 90 percent heat, but new compact fluorescents or LEDs are much cooler and cheaper to operate.
• 10. Look for Energy Star. If you're purchasing an air conditioner, fan or appliance, choose an Energy Star-certified model that uses less energy and is cheaper to use.
Here are a few more tips from BPA's utility customers throughout the region.
If you have a central system, Clark Public Utilities, an electric and water utility that serves the Vancouver area, recommends running the fan to circulate air, especially in the early morning and evening when the outside air is cooler.
The Department of Energy also offers energy-saving tips at www.energy.gov/energysaver.
