While broader clean energy and energy conservation policy changes are under attack at the federal level of government, our collective, local actions have an impact. If you have had a home energy audit, installed solar or added a heat pump, let us know! Take our Energy Saver Survey (10 minutes or less) Continue reading to see what we’ve heard so far…
It’s time to think ahead to summer cooling costs.
As Climate Change continues to accelerate, we need to pay attention to stay safe. At the Jonah Center, we want to help by sharing smart energy choices, practical tips and resources to save energy, cut costs, and reduce local fossil fuel emissions.
In response to our article “Have you Saved Money on Energy at Home?” from last month’s newsletter, we’ve heard from a few people who have taken action and are seeing savings. Thanks for sharing your experiences! (Subscribers interested in “Energy/Climate Change” received a direct survey invitation too.)
Here are some great energy-saving ideas they shared:
1.) Energy Audits help pinpoint energy dollars literally seeping out your doors. Improvements like changing light bulbs, filling cracks, adding basement/attic/wall insulation make a significant difference as a first step. See HeatSmart Middletown to get started.
2.) The Heat Pump during cooling season provides very adequate and low-cost central air conditioning – Tip! Set it to DRY mode to save energy AND cool the air.
3.) Observe and adjust – Sage advice – Keep an eye on your energy use after upgrades. Someone who installed a Heat Pump and an Air Source Heat Pump Water Heater noticed increased electric costs in the winter and added a high-efficiency fireplace with blower to cut next year’s electric bill.
4.) Solar – With a solar array installation, a community member pays nothing for their energy use, which covers the monthly investment in solar panels. They are now using excess energy to heat rooms electrically.
5.) Going “old school” – Some friends are using a clothesline or hanging clothes out on the back deck to dry their clothes. It costs nothing and their clothes smell fresh!
These are real tips from your neighbors, showing practical ways to save energy, reduce costs, and lower our community’s fossil fuel emissions. No one person is using ALL these solutions. Create your own custom plan for energy solutions.