With prices at the gas pump rising almost daily and rumors of major increases in our heating bills this winter, people all over the country are more aware than ever of the need to save on energy.##M:[more]##
Seema Singh, the New Jersey Ratepayer Advocate who deals with everything from helping individuals with utility bill issues to advocating for lower utility rates, speaks on “How to Reduce Your Utility Bill,” Monday, September 26, at the Plainsboro Municipal Court, Community Room A/B, at 641 Plainsboro Road. Pre-registration is required and can be made by contacting Cindy Capritti at 609-799-0909, ext. 352.
The average family in the U.S. spends close to $1,”300 a year on home energy bills, and that figure may increase sharply this year. There are hundreds of things each family can do to save on energy costs according to Singh. Her department publishes a booklet, “The Consumer Conservation Handbook,” to guide families in their quest for lower utility bills.
A graduate of Seton Hall School of Law, Singh was appointed to serve on the state’s Renewable Energy Task Force and Clean Energy Council, the Asian American Commission, the Executive Commission on Ethical Standards, and the Advisory Council on Volunteerism and Community Service.
While there are hundreds of things people can do to save energy, ranging from “simple, free adjustments,” to major investments, Singh recommends “taking the whole house approach.” Here are a few tips from the conservation handbook.
Attic area. Older homes may have little ventilation to promote good air circulation. Another easy energy-saver is to weather strip and insulate the attic access door or panel. Also, upgrading attic insulation to current standards is very cost effective.
Bedrooms. One easy step is to simply close the heating vents or radiators in rooms that are not being used. In the winter, lower the thermostat at night and use more blankets on the bed. In the summer, a ceiling fan can help to cool the room and reduce the amount of air conditioning you need for comfort.
Living Areas. These are the areas of the home where we spend the most time, so saving energy here is very important. Keep your fireplace damper closed when there is no fire in the fireplace and if you have glass doors, keep them closed as well. Use ceiling fans instead of air conditioning for summer cooling. Turn off electric appliances when they are not being used. Use draft guards at the bottom of doors that open into areas that are not heated or air conditioned.
Kitchen. The kitchen is one of the biggest energy-using areas in your home. Each appliance may use only a small amount of energy, but it all adds up at the end of the month. Do not open the oven door to check on food any more often than is absolutely necessary. Every time you do 25 percent of the heat escapes, making your oven use more energy to cook your food.
Choosing the right dishwasher can also save you money. Look for one with a “short” or “light” cycle and use it when you have dishes than aren’t too dirty. Some dishwashers use up to 40 percent less hot water per load and others allow you to reduce the temperature setting on your water heater.
Clean cooking grease and grime from light bulbs so that they will give off the maximum amount of light. If your stove’s exhaust fan vents to the outdoors, use it as little as possible during the winter.
Look closely at the appliances in your home and think about the amount of energy they use. For example, 30 minutes per day of use for the average coffeemaker costs $1.37 per month. If you are leaving your coffeemaker on for several hours a day, you could easily save money just by switching it off.
Other Tips. When buying a new appliance the Energy Guide labels to compare energy efficiency and yearly operating costs. Changing from electric appliances to gas appliances is another energy cost-saver. An electric clothes dryer costs an average of $15.67 per month while a gas dryer costs only $8.83 per month. An electric water heater is almost double the cost of a gas water heater.
The “Consumer Conservation Handbook” will be distributed for free at the Plainsboro program. To order it call 973-648-2690 or online at www.rpa.state.nj.us
— Karen Miller
Lower Your Utility Bills, Plainsboro Recreation, Municipal Complex, 641 Plainsboro Road, 609-799-0909. Monday, September 26, 7 p.m.
