It’s pretty easy to keep drafts out of the house on cold and windy days: Simply insulate your windows by caulking around them. All you need is caulk and a caulk gun, which you can find at any home or hardware store. You can even show your children how to do it. · To get started, clean the windows, window sill, trim and frames with a damp clot. Allow everything to dry. · Scrape old caulk and any peeling paint off of the windows and the area surrounding them · Using the caulk gun, apply the caulk between the window frame and siding on the outdoors. Indoors, fill in the gap between the windows and the trim. · Don’t over-apply or the caulk can look messy. Repeat the routine every few years as the caulk starts to crack and peel.
Are you getting all of the energy savings you can from your programmable thermostat? Most people aren’t. That’s because few people understand how to program their thermostats to raise and lower the temperature when the house is going to be empty or everyone will be asleep. The thermostat itself won’t save you any energy or money on your electric bill. To see a savings, you have to program the thermostat to turn the heat down during times of the day when nobody’s home. If your older-model thermostat is too complicated, consider investing in a new one. Manufacturers have introduced programmable thermostats that are easier to use and understand. New models have touch screens, recorded instructions and digital reminders. Some even “talk” to you to help you do the programming. Proper use of a programmable thermostat can save you up to $150 a year in energy costs, according to Energy Star, a federal government program. To get the most savings from programmable thermostats: · Program the thermostat to turn down the heat and keep the temperature low for at least eight hours at a stretch. The thermostat can lower the temperature right after everyone leaves for school and work, for example, bring it back up just before the family is due to return home, and then set it back again at bedtime. · Override the preprogrammed settings and put in your own. That way, you can set the thermostat back for longer periods of time if you know you’ll be gone a while. · Use the hold or vacation setting when you’re planning to be out of the house for a few days. Set this feature to keep the house several degrees cooler in the winter or several degrees warmer in the summer, even if you’ll be away just for the weekend. · Change the batteries in your thermostat each year to keep it functioning properly.
After years of endorsing gas-powered leaf blowers over electric, Consumer Reports has changed its tune, saying that electric models outperform traditional gas devices for vacuuming, handling and noise. In fact, the magazine, known for its objective testing of appliances and other products, said in a comparison of leaf blowers that “electric is the clear winner.” “The best electric leaf blowers we’ve tested match or beat the best gas models in every single test we conduct,” the article said. Their only drawback, when compared with gas, the magazine said, is that electrics require recharging, which takes some time. So if you’re in the market for a lightweight, quieter and still powerful leaf blower, consider a cordless electric model.
It’s time to dust off fall lawn tools and think about getting your central heating system checked. Before you start that however, take an afternoon to clean and store electrical equipment that you won't be using again until next spring. Examples: · Clean your lawn mower. Unplug your electric model, prop it up on its side and wipe down the top, sides and bottom. If your lawn mower is gas-powered, drain all gas from it and let it dry before storing it. · Remove window air conditioners. Gently vacuum the coils with your vacuum cleaner’s brush attachment and clean the filter before storing the unit. · When the weather cools off, turn off the power to your central a/c; leaving it on a low setting could cause it to kick on when it's not really needed. Clear debris away from the outside part of the unit and cover it up to protect it from falling leaves and winter weather. · Remove a/c registers from the rooms in your house that have them. Clean them by vacuuming both sides and by wiping them down with a damp cloth before replacing them. · If you recharge any summer-only power tools or lawn tools, unplug and store the battery chargers. Leaving unused chargers plugged in is a waste of electricity. · As the leaves drop, sweep them away from outdoor light fixtures, outlets and power cords. · If you pack up your summer clothes to make room in your closets for your cold-weather outfits, avoid stacking the clothes or boxes so high that they touch the light fixture on the ceiling. A light bulb that comes into contact with paper or fabric can set it on fire.
By: NPPD Energy Efficiency Program Manager Cory Fuehrer During this time of the year, many are switching their thermostats from “cooling” to “heating” mode. This is also a good time to check and change filters in heating and cooling (HVAC) systems. Some may have not been replaced since the start of the cooling season or longer. But how important could a filter be if your HVAC system still seems to provide adequate heating and cooling? Consider the following potential impacts: Inefficient heating and cooling The whole reason you have an HVAC system is to keep comfortable inside. Dirty filters reduce airflow and the system’s ability to condition the air in your home. According to the Department of Energy, a furnace or air conditioner with a clogged filter can use 15 percent more energy than one operating with a clean one. Higher cost of utility bills Every year, energy efficiency professionals start hearing concerns about the high cost of utilities after homeowners and renters receive their first bills after an extended cold period. An inefficient HVAC system only makes these bills higher. Uneven temperatures inside Most duct systems are designed with the assumption that, with a clean filter, the furnace or air handler will move an adequate volume of air to keep temperatures balanced throughout your home. Diminished air flows due to a dirty filter often result in a room or rooms not receiving the same amount of conditioned air as others. Short cycling or equipment failure Reduced air flow due to a dirty filter can cause your heat exchanger to overheat and shut off before your thermostat’s setpoint is reached. Over a relatively short period of time, the HVAC system will continue to cycle on and off. If this happens too often, the system’s electronic "limit switch" can fail, and the furnace won't fire up at all. Now, on top of higher utility bills, a HVAC technician will leave one for parts and labor. Of course, Murphy’s Law states this will occur on one of the coldest days of the year and after normal business hours to optimize the technician’s fees. A similar problem can occur in the middle of summer. A clogged filter can cause the evaporator coil to freeze up because not enough air is moving through it to remove condensation produced during the cooling process. This seems to inevitably occur to filter abusers over the Fourth of July weekend in order to once again, optimize the HVAC technician’s fees. Also, dirt that gets past a filter can also make its way into the fan motor and other parts, causing damage to those components. As if the repair bill didn’t cost enough! Puts the burden on your lungs Relying on your lungs to filter out all the contaminants that can potentially be in indoor air could mean you find yourself sick or feeling ill more often. Those contaminants might include: dust, mites, spores, mold, ash, pollen, pet dander, bug parts, hair, lint, tobacco smoke, food particles, pesticides, paint vapors or fumes from cleaning products. A clean filter helps remove these contaminants to create a healthier home. Changing your filter once a year is probably not often enough. However, if you’re not currently changing your filter at all, it’s a start. Some heating and cooling experts recommend replacing your filter every month. While this practice may ensure you never operate your system with a dirty filter, you may be throwing a good filter away prematurely if your indoor air is relatively clean. Instead, check filters monthly for one year until you understand how often needs to be replaced. Some do may require monthly replacement, but if your system operates very little, such as during mild months, you may get additional use from the same filter. Also note that some filters are designed to last multiple months. Only through observation and following manufacturers’ recommendations can you best gauge optimal replacement frequency. Not sure which filter to select? Visit with your HVAC technician or retail expert to assure your selection provides the best filtration possible without negatively impacting your system’s performance. Southwest Public Power District and Nebraska Public Power District want to help you make the most of the energy they provide you. That includes helping you keep your home’s heating and cooling system running efficiently. For other ideas on making your home EnergyWiseSM, contact Southwest Public Power District or visit www.nppd.com.
Air conditioning season is winding down and it’s not quite time for your fall central heating checkup. That doesn’t mean you shouldn’t being keeping an eye on your heating and cooling systems. Your role in maintaining your air conditioning or heating system is just as important as the job of the service technician who performs your annual maintenance inspection. Keep tune-ups quick and costly repairs to a minimum with these simple tips for year-round maintenance. Between visits: · Change your furnace and air conditioning filters once a month. This is especially important during the summer when dust and allergens circulate. Even if the filter’s manufacturer recommends changes every other month, do it every month. · Remove plants, fallen branches, leaves and debris from your outdoor HVAC equipment. Objects that are too close can prevent adequate air flow. · Indoors, vacuum registers and air vents regularly. Heating contractors say simple dust and dirt cause almost half of their service calls. · Move furniture and drapes away from registers.
Southwest Public Power District will be closed Monday, September 2nd , 2024 in observance of Labor Day. Normal business hours will resume Tuesday, September 3rd. If you need assistance, please call (308)285-3295 to speak with an on-call representative.
It’s necessary to clean all of your appliances at least once a year, even those that use water to clean other things. Your washing machine deals with the dirtiest of laundry: diapers, grass-stained denim, food stains and worse. Your clothes emerge spotless, but they leave some of that gunk behind. Laundry detergents can build up in the tub, pump and hoses. That build-up can make your washing machine less efficient and also can harm your clothes. So clean it out. Here’s how: · Fill your empty washing machine tub with hot water. Pour in three cups of vinegar and half a cup of baking soda. · Remove the fabric softener receptacle and bleach dispenser and soak them in hot, soapy water. Nudge stubborn dirt and stains with a Q-tip. · Sponge off the agitator and all the of tub’s surfaces. · Use vinegar and a washcloth to wipe down the machine’s exterior surfaces. · Check your washer’s hoses for weak spots or leaks. You may need to replace your hoses every five years or so.
By: Sustainable Energy Consultant Brandon Gardels Air compressors have been a versatile tool over the years and compressed air has been one of the driving forces of modern-day life. From simply airing up a tire to a plethora of applications in heavy industrial processes, compressed air has a wide range of uses. However, compressed air as an energy source is inherently inefficient. As much as 80% of the electric energy going into compressors is lost as heat during the compression process. According to the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), a typical compressed air system requires approximately 7 8 horsepower (hp) of electric power just to operate a 1 hp air motor. In manufacturing and industrial facilities with intensive compressed air use, it is often referred to as the “fourth utility consuming 30% or more of all electricity used. Implementing variable speed drives with air compressors allows the compressor’s operating speed to ramp up or down to match the demand for compressed air. This yields very significant energy savings when compared to a fixed speed compressor that operates at a constant level regardless of the facility’s demand. Compressed air systems are usually complex and must be diligently operated and maintained to avoid excessive energy use. In many cases, even small adjustments can result in large energy savings. For instance, according to the DOE, lowering pressure settings by 2 Pounds per Square Inch Gauge PSIG results in 1% energy savings. Also, lowering the compressor’s inlet temperature of ambient air by 10° Fahrenheit results in a 2% savings. Cumulatively, adjustments like these can provide very significant energy savings, especially in facilities running hundreds or even thousands of compressor hp continuously. Further lowering efficiency, compressed air systems are also susceptible to leaking. The hissing of leaking air is the sound of energy wasted! Complex systems commonly include many couplings, hoses, fittings, pressure regulators, condensate traps, valves, pipe joints, etc., which can degrade or corrode and develop leaks in multiple locations. Therefore, it is very important to have a regular maintenance plan for continually fixing leaks in the compressed air distribution system. According to the Compressed Air Challenge, an advocate group for the efficient use of compressed air, a single 1/8-inch hole in a typical system cost around $2,095 in lost energy per year, assuming continuous operation and electricity at $0.05 per kilowatt hour. When compressed air is only occasionally used, the most practical method to save energy is to turn off the compressor after it is needed and disconnect or fix leaky air lines. In addition, replacing pneumatic tools with electric motor driven alternatives generally results in energy savings. Consider the portability of electric battery powered tools as another major advantage over pneumatic tools consumers may have relied on in the past. Large commercial and industrial facilities should work with a professional contractor or consultant to complete a compressed air system audit and baseline study. They may identify ways to save thousands of dollars through maintenance or new equipment. Compressed air projects that result in energy efficiency improvements may even qualify for the EnergyWise SM Industrial Process Incentive Program through local participating utilities. In partnership with Nebraska Public Power District, Southwest Public Power District wants to help their customers gain the most benefit from the electricity they provide. For additional ideas on how to make cost-effective efficiency improvements to your home or business, contact Southwest Public Power District or visit www.energywisenebraska.com for more information.
From digital backpacks to new smart phones, back-to-school equipment uses more energy than it used to. In fact, heading back to school has kids using a lot more energy overall – their own and the energy powering all their school-related activities. Most kids use computers at home to write papers and complete school assignments. Shorter days mean more lights go on in the evening to do homework. The daily drive to and from school can be a burden on the environment and your wallet. Follow these tips to conserve more energy—and even save a few dollars along the way—as your kids head back to school: · Teach your children how to put the computer into sleep mode when they are finished using it, even if they plan on returning later. Electronics in sleep mode use about 80 percent less electricity than when operating at full power. · In the market for new computer equipment this year? Computers with an Energy Star rating use 70 percent less electricity overall, while monitors bearing the label draw 90 percent less. · Desk lamps and other concentrated task lighting create a productive work environment without wasting excess light. Replace halogen or incandescent desk lamps with compact fluorescent bulbs, which now fit a variety of fixtures. They produce less heat while using 90 percent less electricity. · Bicycling or walking to school two days a week can save gas and give kids much-needed exercise now that summer days of play are over. If the commute is too far, organize a carpool with parents in your neighborhood to earn yourself a couple of mornings off. · Reduce waste by taking a thorough inventory of school supplies before heading to the store. Supplies often come in bulk packages that can’t be used in just one school year. · Buy reusable sandwich bags and use lunchboxes instead of brown bags to save money and reduce everyday packaging waste.
