Sustainability Tips from Salt Lake City - for more information visit www.slcgreen.com

Rocky Mountain Power offers easy tips to conserve energy

Spotlight: Heating Simple ways to make your heating system run more efficiently

Pay attention to the thermostat. Keeping the temperature a few degrees cooler can lower your heating bill and you can still be comfortable. It's a matter of personal preference, but setting your thermostat to 68F can help you save energy. Consider installing a programmable thermostat to set the thermostat back automatically at night and while you're away from home during the day.  

Seal heating ducts and insulate ducts that run through unheated spaces. Check forced-air furnace filters regularly, and clean or replace them as often as once each month during the heating season.

Shake reusable filters outside or spray them with a garden hose. Be sure they're dry before replacing them.

Drapes can add an extra layer of insulation to windows. Blinds also can insulate, but they aren't as effective. Keep your drapes closed at night and on sunny days, open the drapes and blinds to let in the sun's free heat, especially on the south side.

Don't block registers, baseboards, radiators or cold air returns. Air must circulate through and around them for maximum efficiency. If you are installing a new system, consider shopping for a heat pump to increase energy efficiency. Heat pumps both heat in winter and cool in summer, all in one unit. Look for the Energy Guide label that contains the SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio), which measures efficiency during the cooling season. Also look at the HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor) that measures energy efficiency during the heating season. Look for 7.2 HSPF and 12 SEER or higher.

Find more tips about energy conservation from Rocky Mountain here or Utah Clean Energy here.

Reduce Your Kitchen Energy Drain

Lou Mueller, Utah State University Extension family and consumer sciences agent, San Juan County http://extension.usu.edu/htm/news/articleID=8326

You may spend a lot of time in your kitchen this holiday season, but don't spend a lot of money on wasted energy. With so many appliances in one room, the kitchen is an important place to save energy. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that cooking accounts for 4.5 percent of a homes total power bill. Consider these simple suggestions to conserve energy and lower kitchen utility costs.Set your refrigerator temperature between 37 to 40 F and the freezer compartment at 5 F.

Free-standing freezers used for long-term storage can be set at 0 F. For maximum efficiency, frost build-up should be kept under one-quarter inch. To get accurate temperature readings in the refrigerator, float a refrigerator thermometer in a covered container of water placed in the center of the food compartment. To check freezer temperature, place the thermometer between two frozen items. Read after 24 hours.  Don't leave refrigerator and freezer doors open longer than necessary since condensers maintain cold temperatures and remove moisture. Seal all containers and cover drinks securely. Leave 2 inches of air space around the refrigerator or freezer exterior so air can circulate and cool the coils. Don't place your refrigerator or freezer near heat sources or in direct sunlight.

Stock your shelves carefully. Air circulation in the refrigerator is essential for proper cooling, so leave space around shelved items and don't block vents. In the freezer, air space has to be cooled, so tightly stocked shelves actually conserve energy. Consider using old-fashioned ice trays. It is estimated that an automatic icemaker increases energy consumption by 20 percent.  Follow guidelines in the owners manual. Periodically pull your refrigerator away from the wall and vacuum the coils. Be sure gaskets are clean and pliable. An airtight seal is essential for efficient operation. Before heating a conventional oven, consider using a smaller appliance such as a toaster oven, roasting oven, electric frying pan, pressure cooker, crock pot or portable convection oven. Microwaves also save energy since foods cook faster.When baking, open the oven door only as needed. Temperatures drop about 25 degrees each time the door is opened and heat has to be regenerated. When cooking or warming foods, choose the smallest pan possible to get the job done and use lids to conserve heat. Pots and pans with flat bottoms and flat sides are more energy efficient. Be sure the base of your pan covers the burner, and keep reflectors and surfaces clean so heat radiates more efficiently.

When replacing major appliances, look for the EnergyStar label. Manufacturers must earn that endorsement by meeting strict energy-efficiency guidelines. Also compare EnergyGuide labels. These provide estimated energy consumption and yearly operating costs based on national averages. 

THERMWISE ENERGY-SAVING TIPS 

Energy-smart consumers buy natural gas appliances. And the best way to get the most out of every energy dollar is to have a qualified professional periodically make sure your appliances work at peak performance. Saving energy means saving money. Here are some tips that will help you do both: 

FURNACE TIPS: The single largest user of natural gas in the home is the furnace. A well-maintained furnace will work more efficiently and last longer. And when its time to buy a new furnace, an expert can advise you on the best solution for your home-heating needs. Choose an ENERGY STAR furnace If it's time to replace your existing furnace, consider buying a furnace that's earned the ENERGY STAR label. ENERGY STAR furnaces have an annual fuel efficiency rating (AFUE) of 90% or higher, making them up to 15% more energy efficient than standard models. Professional tune-up A periodic furnace inspection by a heating professional will ensure safe, efficient operation. Change the filter changing the furnace filter regularly will help keep clean air flowing throughout your home. If the filter becomes dirty or clogged, it will restrict airflow and cause the furnace to stay on longer using more fuel. Note: If you have a central air conditioner, your filter may need to be changed more frequently because its working during the summer too. Keep vents and registers unobstructed.  Move drapes, rugs and furniture away from heat registers and return-air vents. Free-flowing air through the furnace provides quick comfort for less money. Install a programmable thermostat You won't have to remember to turn the furnace down when you go to sleep or leave for work. Consistent temperature control will help reduce your fuel usage and lower your energy costs.  

WATER HEATER TIPS: This is the second-largest energy user in the home. Even though natural gas water heating is economical, there are ways to stretch your energy dollar. Lower the temperature. Reduce the temperature setting on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or turn the dial from high to medium. Turn the dial to low if you are going to be gone for a few days or more. Reduce hot water usage Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use. Fix leaky faucets and run clothes- and dishwashers with a full load. Install water-flow restrictors in showerheads and faucets. Restrictors can cut hot-water use without affecting comfort. Insulate the water heater and hot-water pipes Install a water-heater blanket and hot-water-pipe insulation. Follow the manufacturers installation instructions. Choose an energy efficient water heater When replacing a water heater, the best way to assure performance is to purchase a model with a high energy factor (EF) rating. The higher the EF, the better. Natural gas water heaters with an EF rating of 0.63 qualify for ThermWise Appliance Rebates.  

CLOTHS DRYER TIPS: Dry clothes faster and for less money with natural gas. These natural gas dryer tips can help save you money and leave "nothing out to dry."Choose a dryer with a moisture sensor Many new clothes dryers have moisture sensors available. When your clothes are dry, the dryer shuts off, which will save you money. Dry full loads You'll use less energy per clothing item. And when one load is done, follow up with another load to benefit from the residual heat. Clean the lint screen between each load a clean screen allows for quick drying cycle.  

GENERAL TIPS: There are a number of ways to cut your energy costs by making your home more energy efficient.  Choose products that have earned the ENERGY STAR label. Products in more than 50 categories are eligible for the ENERGY STAR. ENERGY STAR is the trusted national symbol for energy efficiency, backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy. ENERGY STAR products use less energy, save money and help protect the environment. Windows are a major source of heat loss. Consider installing storm or thermal windows. ENERGY STAR windows save you energy and money, increase the comfort of your home and protect your valuable possessions from sun damage. A less expensive alternative is plastic sheeting, which can be fastened over windows to retain heat.

Set the thermostat between 65 and 70 degrees during the winter and 58 degrees when away from the house for more than a few hours. Before sleeping, lower the thermostat and add an extra blanket for warmth. Bear in mind that warmer temperatures are recommended for homes with ill or elderly people or infants. Keep heat registers and air-return vents unobstructed. Your furnace must be able to circulate air freely to work efficiently. Arrange your furniture with heating economy in mind. Heat rises so use registers to direct warm airflow across the floor. Ceiling fans can also help circulate warm air into the living area. Use drapes, shutters, awnings, shade trees, glass with reflective film and/or solar screens to keep your house cooler in the summer. Let sunlight in during the winter to help warm your house. When buying new appliances, compare energy-efficiency ratings and annual operating costs. A slightly higher initial cost for a high-efficiency appliance could be paid back quickly through energy savings and lower utility bills. Eliminate air leaks in your home with caulking, sealants or weather stripping. Look for leaks around windows, doors, plumbing, ducts, and electrical outlets. Close vents and doors in unused rooms and close dampers on unused fireplaces. Check to see if the attic and walls have the recommended levels of insulation.