Friday | February 2, 2024
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During February, Southern Rivers Energy is sharing with our members an energy-saving campaign, the Saving Watts Challenge. Weekly, beginning on Monday, February 5th, we will share energy-saving tips and tricks to help you cut down on energy usage this Winter. We’ll have a drawing to give prizes to three lucky members who engage with us by implementing these tips and sharing their photos using #SavingWatts on Facebook, and clicking through their Saving Watts Challenge email!

Take this time to log in to your SRE online account to ensure your email is current so you don’t miss out on a single tip. While you’re logged in, take a moment to view and become familiar with your energy use trends so you’re ready to save! Trouble logging in? Give our Customer Service team a call at 770-358-1383

Week 1: February, 5, 2024

The biggest energy hog in your home is your electric heating unit-and we've been using it a lot lately. Let's find out how we can reduce that and save some money while we're at it.

breakdown of home energy useTake a look at this pictograph to see how the average home energy use breaks down!

 

 

 

 

 

With heating in mind, let's take a look at ways to cut down on your energy usage this winter. 

1. Keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees in the winter. This is the most efficient temperature of operation for most units. Energy usage increases by about 5 to 8% with every degree increase. Also, resist the urge to turn the heat off if you leave or during the heat of the day. If the temperature drops while you’re away, your unit will work that much harder to return to 68 degrees inside and could automatically trigger the emergency heat setting.

2. Open and close those curtains and shades. Opening your window treatments during the day will allow natural solar heat in. Close them at night so that they can act as another layer of insulation for your home.

3. Space heaters are NOT the answer. Don't rely on space heaters to keep you warm. Believe it or not, they are a bigger user of electricity than a heating unit set at the correct temperature. At current rates, running even one space heater for 24 hours a day can use up to $150 of electricity per month. Central heating units typically cost less than $10 per day.

space heater calculations
Here, you can see the breakdown of the cost of using an electric space heater.
Visit our Space Heater Calculator to calculate your use! 

4. Have your unit and ductwork serviced and inspected. Call an air and heating professional to make sure your unit is running as efficiently as possible without any leaks in the ductwork.

5. Caulk gaps around problem areas. Window sills, baseboards, and plumbing entrances are real energy-stealing bandits, so make sure you get them sealed up. Adding weather stripping around doors will give you another layer of defense against the cold, too!

 

 

Week 2: February 12, 2024

Last week we focused on tips to help you heat your home more efficiently. If you missed last week’s tips, catch up here. This week we’re focusing on saving money using electronics (computers, TVs, small appliances, etc). Electronics can account for more than 20% of your energy bill so it’s important to use them wisely.

Pictograph Describing Energy Usage in the Home

One thing to remember, the savings may not be obvious right now but we’re confident if you put a few of these tips into practice you’ll see the results.

  1. Turn off and unplug computers, TVs, or gaming consoles when not in use.
  2. If you don’t unplug, consider using an advanced power strip. These will sense when devices are not being used and shut the power off automatically. Also, utilize energy-saving modes or sleep functions on devices if possible.
  3. Remember to unplug lesser-used items such as battery chargers, electric blankets, and curling irons after use.
  4. Unplug small kitchen appliances (pressure cooker, blender, mixers, etc.) when not in use.
  5. When buying new appliances, lights or other electronics look for the ENERGY STAR label. For more on what an ENERGY STAR label is click here.

    Week 3: February 19, 2024

Water heating can account for about 15 to 18% of your monthly energy usage, so this week we're tackling ways to save money when using hot water.

two men checking a water heater

1. Check your water heater for leaks! A leaky water heater will trigger constant electricity usage and can add significantly to your bill.

2. Set the upper and lower water heating thermostat to 120 degrees. For households of one or two people, a 115-degree setting may work, too. Not sure how to adjust the temperature of your water heater? Check out this video for help!

3. Insulate hot water lines. If your waterlines are exposed, insulate them to keep your hot water from losing heat. Check with the manufacturer of your water heater to see if a wrap is recommended for the heater itself.

4. Limit shower length to 5-7 minutes. The less time you spend heating water, the better.

5. Run full loads of dishes. When deciding to purchase new appliances, lights, or other electronics, look for the ENERGY STAR label. Not sure what that's all about? Check out the information here.

Week 4: February 27, 2024

Lighting and Appliances

This week we've got tips on how to reduce lighting and appliance energy usage. Combined, lighting and appliances can account for around 20% of your electric bill.

Curious how much changing out bulbs in your home could save you? Check out this link!

Here are your week's tips:

1. Turn off lights and fans that are not being used.

2. Buy and use LED lightbulbs when possible. Consider replacing outdoor lighting with outdoor LED bulbs as well. According to Touchstone Energy, energy-saving lightbulbs can cut lighting costs by 75%.

3. Use power saver modes. If available, turn on your refrigerator's power saver mode. Set your refrigerator between 34-37 degrees and your freezer between 0-5 degrees.

4. Use pot lids. When you're cooking, utilizing lids on your pots and pans will help food cook faster, and reduce the amount of electricity you use. 

5. It matters how you wash and dry. Wash clothes in cold water unless washing a very dirty load. Make sure your dryer's exhaust door is not blocked or clogged.

Dryer vents and exhausts are important to keep clean for energy savings and safety. If you aren't certain about getting this done on your own, you can call an HVAC professional. For a how-to for the DIY-ers, check out this video!

We'd love for you to engage with us during the Saving Watts Challenge! As you implement these tips and tricks, take photos and share them on Facebook and Instagram using the hashtag #SavingWatts. This will enter you into a drawing to win one of two $100 bill credits and a programmable thermostat. SRE will only provide the thermostat; we will not install it.

Opening the Saving Watts Challenge emails and clicking on the links within the emails will also enter you into the drawing.