Reducing energy use in your home

The Natural Resources Defense Council has suggested these tips, along with others on its Web site at www.nrdc.org:

• The biggest energy consumer in a typical home is the refrigerator. When purchasing a new refrigerator, look for an Energy-Starrated model. Keep the refrigerator between 38 and 42 degrees and the freezer between zero and five degrees. You can purchase a refrigerator thermometer to do this. Close the door quickly.
• Your clothes drier consumes the second largest amount of energy in your home. Again, look for an Energy Star label when purchasing a new one. Make sure you spin clothes well in the washer before putting them in the drier. Dry light and heavy clothes separately. Hang dry in the sun or somewhere inside; you will also avoid shrinkage and heat damage.
• A plasma television and related devices consume energy at almost the same rate as the refrigerator or clothes drier. Energy Star ratings for electronics are being revised; new ratings will also measure energy use when the device is on. The new ratings are expected in 2009. Check your TV’s menu for energy- or powersaving modes. Reduce the brightness of the screen; dim the lights when you watch, so the screen does not have to overpower ambient light.
• This summer, keep your house at 78 degrees. Use an indoor thermometer to gauge temperature. Pay attention to when outdoor conditions are pleasant enough to open the windows. If you are considering removing trees from your property, remember that your house or yard will be much hotter without their shade.
• Become an expert at packing the dishwasher. Run it only when completely full.
• The quickest and easiest way to reduce energy use in your home is to switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs. Use task lighting instead of brightly illuminating a whole room.
• Turn off lights, TVs, radios, computers and printers when leaving for any extended period of time.
• Put your reading chair in front of the window, and read by daylight whenever you can.
• Check your Con Ed bill for energy usage each month, as you implement these changes. Watch your bill go down.

This is part of the June 19, 2008 online edition of The Riverdale Press.

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