Use compact fluorescent lights whenever
your can; they give out more lumens per watt than incandescent lamps.
These new lights can fit into many incandescent lamp sockets and provide
the same quality of light.
With efficiencies of 50-60 lumens per watt,
the compact fluorescent lamps are 3-4 times more efficient than conventional
bulbs and last 10 times as long. For example, an 18-watt compact fluorescent
lamp produces the same amount of light as a 75-watt incandescent lamp.
Although the initial cost is higher, the savings in electricity costs
could pay for the compact fluorescent bulb in about
a year.
Tips for maintaining efficient
light fixtures
Replace other bulbs throughout the house
with bulbs of the next lower wattage.
Consider installing solid-state dimmers
or high-low switches when replacing light switches. They make it easy
to reduce lighting intensity in a room and thus save energy.
Tips on buying and maintaining heating systems
Keep your heating equipment well tuned with
periodic maintenance by a professional serviceman. Ask the serviceman
how the energy efficiency of the heating system can be increased.
If you plan to buy a new furnace, select
an energy-efficient unit. Your contractor has energy fact sheets for each
model; ask for them and compare energy usage.
Consider the advantages of a clock thermostat
for your heating system. The clock thermostat will turn the heat down
for you automatically when you depart or go to bed and turn it up again
when you return or awaken.
Tips for efficient use of heating and cooling
systems
During both the heating and cooling seasons,
clean or replace furnace and air conditioner filters regularly. Keep outside
units free of debris that may clog vents.
Close off unoccupied rooms and shut their
heat or air-conditioning vents; or turn off room air conditioners. (This
does not apply if you have a heat pump system, since shutting vents could
harm a heat pump).
Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating
fans wisely. In just one hour, these fans can blow away a house full of
warmed or cooled air. Turn them off just as soon as they have done their
job.
When the temperature drops below 78 degrees,
turn the unit off and open the windows.
Keep blinds and curtains drawn to block
the sun's heat.
Shut off unused portions of your home.
Avoid activities that produce heat and
humidity during the hottest part of the day.
Electrical Safety Tips for
Outdoors
Ground your entire electrical system. Remember that
you can’t ground your electrical system to water pipes if the system uses
plastic pipes.
Check equipment periodically to spot worn or cracked insulation,
loose terminals, corroded wires, defective parts or other problems.
Correct any problems at once.
Make sure all electrical outlets are three-hole grounded
outlets with a face plate installed.
Use a Ground Fault Interference (GFI) outlet if there
is water nearby. All outdoor outlets should use GFI.
Do not use extension cords unless absolutely necessary.
If you must use them, never place objects on the cords. Place safety
covers on unused receptacles.
Remember that people are good conductors of electricity,
especially when they are standing in water or on a damp floor. Never
touch an electric cord or appliance when your hands are wet, and do nor use
electrical appliance in damp areas or while standing on damp floors.
Be aware of overhead and underground power lines.
Don’t dig before contacting your electric co-op for help identifying underground
power lines.
Do not erect metal fence wire along the same route as
overhead power lines.
If you see a downed power line, call your electric co-op
immediately.
If a power line falls on your vehicle, stay inside unless
your vehicle catches on fire. If you must get out, jump clear without
touching metal and the ground at the same time.