Ask the expert
It’s a new year and I’m hoping to cultivate some good habits that will help me save money around my home. Any suggestions?
“It’s a rare home that doesn’t have some room for improvement when it comes to energy efficiency,” says David Lewis, spokesman with Entergy in Little Rock. “And many of those improvements are inexpensive and easy.”
He suggests resolving to do any three of the following items by the end of January:
Wrap the water heater in an insulating blanket.
Replace three incandescent light bulbs with three LED bulbs.
Add foam gaskets (available at any hardware store) behind the cover of every electrical plug or switch on an exterior wall.
Add foam weather stripping around at least one leaky door.
Whatever your current comfortable indoor temperature is, lower it by 2 degrees and add a layer of clothing.
When cooking in the oven, unless timing is critical, don’t heat it ahead of time. Just put in the food, set the temperature and go.
If you have a programmable thermostat and haven’t programmed it, now’s the time.
A new year brings with it fresh beginnings and the chance to make resolutions for better, more healthful, most cost-effective living. Combining personal, money-saving and energy-saving goals just makes sense, Lewis says. Here are his suggestions:
Lose weight, get fit, save on the water bill
After a workout routine, exercisers can reward themselves with a long, hot shower without worrying about running up the energy or water bill. How? By installing a low-flow shower head in their bathroom and saving energy, water and money. Watching less TV Turning off the TV will save on the electric bill and installing advanced power strips, which cut power to all electronics just by turning off one control device, will reduce phantom power and save even more.
Staying on top of chores and keeping a cleaner house
When it comes to cleaning around the home, there are a variety of ways to save money on energy bills, such as investing in a new energy-efficient dishwater that is easier, quicker, and usually uses less energy than washing by hand. When the time comes to acquire other new appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, water heaters and stoves, make sure they’re energy-efficient as well.
Program the thermostat
Taking the time to set a programmable thermostat can help keep the residence comfortable and save on utility bills. Read more Those wishing to add more reading to their New Year’s resolutions should consider switching their light bulbs to high-efficiency cool-white LED bulbs. Research shows that reading speed and stamina improve at colors closer to daylight.
And while Christmas has come and gone, those looking for gifts for loved ones and friends the rest of the year may want to consider giving those closest to them the gift of energy savings with presents such as the following ones recommended by officials with Entergy: Programmable thermostats Advanced power strips Low-flow shower heads LED light bulbs Caulking and weatherstripping Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We’ll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email: