Conserving Energy at Home
Step One: Cut back.
Use the "Off" Switch
Turn off lights when you leave a room. Turn off your television, video player, stereo and computer when you're not using them. Is the second refrigerator needed 24/7? How about plugging it in only when extra refrigeration is necessary?
Often though, turning off the switch doesn't stop the electricity. Many appliances continue to consume energy 365 days a year, even when the switch is turned off. This is phantom load. The average home in the US has over 25 phantom loads. Phantom loads make up 2%-8% of residential electric costs. Common items include chargers, stereos, DVD players, X-Box, Game Boy, microwaves, washers, power strips, cordless phones, TVs, computers, computer speakers, printers, monitors... If you do not need the appliance to be in a constant ready state, unplug it from the wall. To find determine your home's phantom load, do a Vampire Energy Hunt.
Use Less Heat and Air Conditioning
Keep temperatures moderate. Turn down the heat while sleeping at night or away during the day. A programmable thermostat makes this easier. If we dress for the season, comfortable temperatures typically are 68 degrees in the winter and 79 degrees in the summer. Then adjust them by about 5 degrees for times when you are asleep or away.
Monitor Your Energy Consumption
Track your energy usage monthly. It is encouraging to watch the usage drop from year to year. If you would like to have your historic usage, call the city and ask for billing (1-630-454-2020).
Step Two: Invest in technology that uses energy more efficiently.
Insulate
Adding insulation to our walls and attic, and installing weather stripping or caulking around doors and windows can lower our heating costs more than 25 percent, by reducing the amount of energy we need to heat and cool our home.
Plant a Tree
Trees -- the ultimate technology in energy conservation. There are two great benefits to trees. First, trees and other plants absorb carbon dioxide and give off oxygen. Second, trees can help reduce the heating and cooling costs of your home. A shade tree on the south side of the house keeps the home cool in the summer. An evergreen on the west side can break the chilling winds of winter.
Small saplings and native plants can be purchased inexpensively each spring through the Kane-DuPage Water and Conservation District. Visit http://www.kanedupageswcd.org/sales.htm to get additional information.
Change a Light Bulb
Compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs last 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, use two-thirds less energy, and give off 70 percent less heat. These are available at every hardware store in Batavia -- even Walgreens. Both Home Depot and Menard's have a very large CFL selection including flood lights, can lights and bulbs for chandeliers. CFLs need to be disposed properly.
Buy Energy-Efficient Products
If you need a new appliance, research both its quality and its energy and water use before you buy it. Consumer Reports offers a free non-subscription service that evaluates most home appliances at the site http://www.greenerchoices.org/home.cfm. This service is a great tool as many products label themselves as "green" or "environmentally friendly." Consumer Reports will tell you what really is and what isn't.
Step Three: Produce electricity sustainably.
Support the City of Batavia and NIMPA in its pursuit of wind energy.
Invest Individually in Wind Energy.
Community Energy, Inc. provides new, environmentally-friendly choices for your electric service. This program makes it easy to purchase clean energy produced through natural means such as wind, water and the sun. For as little as $5.00 per month, you can make a difference for future generations by enrolling in this Renewable Energy Program. http://www.newwindenergy.com/index.php?id=60
We can do this. Batavia can do this.