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Ways to cut your summer energy bills
As warm weather finally arrives, the high heating bills of winter give way to other energy challenges such as keeping homes cool and cutting down on fuel use.
In our Colorado foothills climate, some easy behavior changes can yield surprisingly big energy dividends. Before you worry about adding solar panels or even doing expensive home retrofits, it’s wise to think of some no-cost or very low cost ways to save energy and cut your utility bills.
For example, simply getting in the habit of opening windows every evening and shutting them tight in the morning can keep many homes cool during the hot sunny daylight hours. And be careful of leaving doors open for long periods when it’s hot outside. Using drapes or shades over windows that catch the most sun during the day will also cut down on heat gain.
Inside your home, you can save a surprising amount of electricity by getting in the habit of turning off everything that is not in use. Flip off the light switch whenever you leave a room. And beware of “vampire energy’’- electricity use by electronic devices that are turned off but still plugged in. Computers, televisions, home audio systems, kitchen gadgets – everything that has a little light – continues to suck energy unless it is unplugged or plugged into a power strip that can be turned on or off with a touch of your foot.
Summer months often mean more car travel, and some simple habit changes can yield big fuel savings. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, keeping your speed at 60 miles per hour or lower can really affect your gasoline charges. The group estimates that each five miles per hour over 60 uses gas equivalent to paying an extra 24 cents per gallon.
Summer also means higher water use. In addition to being water wise with your outdoor landscaping, you can save both heat and water by trimming showers to five minutes or so. When it comes to clothes, running only full loads of wash, choosing cold water to wash most loads, and using Colorado sun to dry your clothes can save you water and heat as well.
As your new Community Energy Coordinator, I will be working in Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties to help get the word out about ways to save energy and take advantage of programs to encourage energy efficiency and the spread of renewable energy. I invite your questions, thoughts and ideas at the email or phone number below.
Be sure to also check out the new website of the Governor’s Energy Office that is loaded with information about energy rebates and incentives: www.RechargeColorado.com or 800-462-0184.
Rebecca Cantwell is the Community Energy Coordinator for Gilpin and Clear Creek Counties, working with Colorado State University Extension and the Governor’s Energy Office to help educate residents about energy use and assist in ways to increase energy efficiency and renewable energy. She can be reached at Rebecca.Cantwell@colostate.edu or 303-679-4233.