How to keep your power bill down and be a good steward of Earth's resources

Published May 5, 2011
By Ryan Larsen
Hilltop Times correspondent

HILL AIR FORCE BASE, Utah -- For Hill's month long Earth Day observance several energy conservation educational presentations were offered. Rocky Mountain Power's Commercial Industrial Program Manager for Energy Efficiency Chris Helmers was invited to speak at a Lunch and Learn session April 25.

Helmers began the session with some energy math questions. How much does it cost to run a regular 100 watt lightbulb for ten hours a day 365 days a year? The answer is $30.45 a year for just one light bulb. This is a typical situation with porch and flood lights on many homes.

Helmers explained that if that 100 watt bulb is changed to a CFL (compact flourescent lightbulb) that is of similar brightness and only uses 14 watts that substition will reduce the cost of running the light to about $5 a year. CFLs use 75 percent less energy and last ten times longer than regular lightbulbs.

He pointed out that the downside to CFLs is that the majority of them are not dimmable and take slightly longer to light up.

"Look for the Energy Star logo on CFL packaging," he said. That way you know you are getting a quality product. Most people don't like the corkscrew look of the bulbs, but the cost savings are worth it. Also CFLs need to be disposed of properly and should not go into regular garbage.

The newest technology in lighting and TVs is the LED (light-emitting diode). LEDs provide crisp, directional lighting and are dimmable. LEDs produce little to no heat; they are very durable in all temperatures and last up to 15 times longer than a regular bulb. For roughly the last ten years LEDs have made their way into flashlights and TVs, but have not made the transition that CFLs have made to the home. The drawback for now is the price, because the demand is low.

Heat coming from bulbs or appliances means that energy is being converted from its primary function and is being diverted into the heated air. This increases the air temperature in the home or place of business and can raise cooling costs.

Helmers recommended trying a home experiment. Turn off all the lights and TVs in your house and see if the meter on the side of your house slows down -- it most likely won't, he said. Years ago this trick may have worked to slow the meter, but times and technologies are different. Think about everything that is plugged in, TVs, microwaves, computers and the various charging stations for cordless gadgets. Everything that is plugged in to an outlet, even when turned off, is drawing energy through the meter.

The No. 1 energy user in homes and businesses, Helmers said, is heating and cooling. Any place in your home that jiggles, rattles or shakes is where air leaks out or in. Air leaks mean the ability for the home to keep a consistent temperature is compromised, causing loss of energy and increases in energy costs.

You can test you home for leaks yourself in most cases, he said. Close all your windows and doors and turn on your bathroom and stove exhaust fans. Light an incense stick and carry it around your doors, windows and electrical outlets. If the smoke trail moves then there is an air leak in that area of the home. Also check around any pipes or wires that come in the home from outside.

Duct work is also a major source of heat loss in homes. If there is dust in the joints where ducts meet together then there is a leak. Helmers recommended caulk for this simple fix or duct tape.

Consider that the newest Energy Star rated air conditioning unit still uses much more energy than the average evaporative cooler. Air conditioning or central air units are better at keeping the temperature in the house more consistent, but an evaporative cooler will cost much less to operate. Helmers said it is like the difference between running a car motor and a desk fan motor. It is fan technology versus compressor technology, nearly a ten-to-one cost savings.

There are many other things you can do to make your home more energy efficient, but Helmers said, one of the most important things to do is to get your kids involved. Let your kids know the importance of saving energy and being a good steward of the earth.

For more tips about saving energy go towww.energystar.gov or www.wattsmart.com.

Earth Day Lunch and Learn sessions will continue through next week. Earth Day at Hill culminates with the Tree City USA celebration at 11 a.m. on May 12th at Centennial Park. For more information about times, dates and events stop by the Warrior Fitness Center and look at the calendar or contact Hill biologist Jo Proctor from the Natural Resources department.