News Reports

Energy efficiency begins at home

By Marvin Bynum

For the Lansing State Journal

Energy efficiency is on most people’s minds these days — and how can you blame them? In October, Michigan state officials reported that — thanks, in part, to the fall’s devastating Gulf Coast hurricanes — this winter’s heating costs would be much higher than previously predicted. Residential natural gas customers in Michigan can expect monthly heating bills to average 46 percent above those of last winter.

That said, what can area residents do to increase the energy efficiency of their homes? We asked Dan Bishop, a public information officer with Consumers Energy, and Sue Warren, a certified energy manager with the resource and system planning division of Lansing Board of Water & Light, for answers.

When is it too late to get my furnace checked?

Bishop: It's never too late, but it's a good idea to have it checked by a licensed heating contractor once a year. Also, change your furnace filter about once a month during the heating season.

What about putting plastic on windows? How much does that help?

Warren: Installing storm windows over single-pane windows will reduce drafts, water condensation and frost formation. Heavy-duty plastic installed on windows during the winter months is a less costly alternative to storm windows.

What about insulation? How do I know if I need to add more?

Warren: Recommended insulation levels vary based on geographic regions and Michigan is in Region 2. Recommended insulation level for your attic is R-49. If you have less than 6 to 7 inches of insulation, you will save energy by adding more.

How much can I save by turning down the temperature of my water heater?

Bishop: Water heaters account for about 14 percent of utility bills. We recommend setting your water heater temperature at 120 degrees and adding an insulating blanket to hold heat in.

Warren: This is the third-largest energy expense in the home. Water-heating saving tips include repairing leaky faucets promptly (a dripping faucet can waste 20 gallons of water each day, which equates to 7,000 gallons per year), installing energy-efficient shower heads and faucets that use less water, and taking more showers than baths. A bath uses 15 to 20 gallons of hot water, where you only use 10 gallons for a 5-minute shower.

What is the recommended thermostat setting for most homes?

Bishop: That'll depend on your family's comfort level, but we recommend 68 degrees when you're home and 58 degrees when you're away for an extended period (five hours or more).

How much can I save by turning down my thermostat at night or when I'm not home?

Bishop: Turning down your thermostat by 1 degree will save you 2 to 3 percent on your heating bill. We recommend that customers install a programmable thermostat.

Warren: These thermostats control the temperature automatically without sacrificing comfort. Programmable thermostats can save 10 percent on heating and cooling costs by turning your thermostat back 10 to 15 percent for 8 hours.

Should I leave my blinds closed or open them during the winter?

Warren: During the heating season, keep the draperies and shades on the south side of your home open during the day to allow the sunlight to enter. Close them at night.

Bishop: Let the sun shine (in)!

How can I save energy when using my dishwasher?

Warren: Operate dishwashers when there is a full load. Choose the air dry option on your dishwasher or open the dishwasher after final rinse.

Is there savings to be gained by using the microwave instead of the stove/oven?

Warren: Use microwaves for defrosting and cooking small portions. Toaster ovens are also more efficient than large ovens or stoves. Match the size of the pan to the heating element. Use a covered pan or kettle to boil water.
What about lighting?

Warren: Turn off lights when you leave a room. Lighting accounts for 5 to 10 percent of the total energy use in the average home. Incandescent bulbs use only 10 percent of the energy for light, while 90 percent is given off as heat — whereas almost 100 percent of the energy required by compact fluorescent light bulbs goes toward light production. CFLs are four times more efficient, cost less to operate and last 10 times as long as incandescent bulbs.

What can I do to limit drafts from the doors?

Bishop: Rubberized inserts can be placed along the baseboard and length of the door to prevent heat loss.

Warren: One of the quickest ways to save money is to caulk, seal and weatherstrip doors, windows and other openings in your home.

Answers to the following questions are from the U.S. Department of Energy's "Energy Savers" Web site (www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/).

Are there ways to increase the efficiency of my dryer?

Dry towels and heavier cottons in a separate load from lightweight clothes. Don't over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it. Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load to improve air circulation. Use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the residual heat in the dryer. Periodically inspect your dryer vent to ensure it is not blocked. This will save energy and may prevent a fire. Manufacturers recommend using rigid venting material, not plastic vents that may collapse and cause blockages. Consider air drying clothes on clothes lines or drying racks.

How can I save energy when washing clothes?

Actually, about 90 percent of the energy used for washing clothes is for heating the water. There are two ways to reduce the amount of energy used for washing clothes — use less water and use cooler water. Unless you're dealing with oily stains, the warm or cold water setting on your machine will generally do a good job of cleaning your clothes. Switching your temperature setting from hot to warm can cut a load's energy use in half.