Conservation Tips
How can we help save energy, costs , and our environments
Little things can make a big difference! Here are few tips to consider :
- Understand & manage your electric rate (per kwh) and demand rate (kw). Demand rate is critical to watch in manufacturing.
- Monitor your usage from your smart meter; usage data is provided every 15 minutes, daily, monthly, yearly. Sign up on: Smart Meter Texas . You will need your meter 17 digit ESI ID or 9 digit smart meter code on your electricity bill. For example in Oncor area ESI ID starts with 1044372. Meter code is on your power meter, enter it without dashes.
- Use programmable, motion-detection lighting, dimmers where appropriate.
- Use programmable thermostats for temperature control. Set to minimum use when you not in.
- Use natural lighting when and where appropriate.
- Use more energy efficient equipment when replacing an old equipment.
- Replace incandescent lamps or CFLs with super efficient LEDs. Incandescent lamps generate a lot more heat than light by as much as 90%.
- Set your computers, copiers, fax machines, and any other electronic equipment with features in standby, hibernate, or sleep mode when not used; turn off if not used for extended period of time. Even better, invest in smart power strip that turns power off totally for devices in sleep mode for extended period of time.
- Change behavior/living style: 1) turn off lights in unoccupied areas; 2) Install Occupancy sensors; 3) Turn off "headed dry" function in dishwasher; 4) line dry if possible; 5) avoid wash in hot water or extra rinse cycle; 6) install and use ceiling fans.
- Consider radiant barrier and adding insulation in the attic.
- Regular maintenance, change filters, find and stop leaks, calk windows.
- Consider low emissivity (Low W) windows.
- Research what governments and utility companies are offering. Example, contact your local water department for low flow toilets and irrigation systems rebate programs.
- From department of Energy (DOE), "pool water temperatures range from 78°F to 82°F. The American Red Cross recommends a temperature of 78°F for competitive swimming. This coincides with good fuel savings. However, this may be too cool for young children and the elderly, who may require a temperature of 80°F or higher. The energy consumption for each degree rise in temperature will cost 10% to 30% more in energy costs, depending on your location. In warmer climates, this percentage is higher because of a relatively low cost of heating a pool at 78°F. See tips in operating an efficient pool pump at DOE site.