Happy Energy Awareness Month!
Never heard of it? Neither had we. It was established in 1991 by President Bush, and it doesn’t get much visibility. We’re out to change that!
First, visit the U.S. Department of Energy’s official checklist of all the things you can do to improve energy efficiency at home or your place of business. Then read our list of things you can do to reduce your energy consumption while updating your home, investing in sustainable energy and saving money long term.
Let’s Talk Lighting
Change your light bulbs immediately to LED’s or CFL’s. Head to your favorite hardware store and talk to the lighting person.They will help you navigate all the different bulbs and demystify all the lighting terms like Kelvins (warm or cool) and Lumens (brightness). Pro Tips: Go with warm light, your home will look even more inviting. Then, add dimmers to your switches so you can regulate the brightness and save energy on demand.
If you have recessed lighting, talk to an electrician about converting to LED retrofits. They modernize the look of your cans and last for years without replacing. Pro Tip: Switch your overheads in ‘zones’ so they don’t all have to be on at the same time.
Get a Nest® for Your Nest
…or any other programmable thermostat. Program the temperature as low (winter) or as high (summer) as you can tolerate and watch the savings roll in. Additionally program for eco temperatures when you are away from home. Pro Tips: Wifi capable thermostats have the ability to be adjusted remotely. Plus, check with your energy supplier for coupons and rebates.
Add Ceiling Fans to Bedrooms
The movement of air will help you feel cooler in the summer (clockwise) and will force warm air down from the ceiling in the winter (counterclockwise). Use only when you are in the room. Pro Tip: Look for simple white fans that will blend into the ceiling.
Kill the Vampires
Unplug ANYTHING you can to stop leaching power! Electronics, appliances, etc. Pro Tip: Use power strips with surge protection that can easily switch off multiple offenders.
Harness the Sun
Keep reading, apartment and condo dwellers! Anyone who gets an electric bill can go solar with Community Solar as long as it’s available in your area. The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) breaks down all the advantages and does a compare and contrast of the five main solar farm companies active in Illinois as of October 2022. The Solar for All program offers big discounts to income-eligible residents. Pro Tip: Most programs offer a 10% bill discount for subscribers.
Those of you who can and want to install rooftop solar panels may be eligible to get up to 70% off thanks to government incentives. A solar company can do an audit of your property to determine your needs and estimated time to recoup any initial investment.
Pro Tip for Homeowners
As your mechanicals and appliances fail, go electric. Check with your suppliers and contractors for rebates and incentives.
Want More?
Run, don't walk to the Chicago Architecture Center’s Energy Revolution Exhibit. It’s closes on October 17!
We want to hear from you! Leave a comment below, or contact the Environmental Action Committee at environment@lwvchicago.org.