Finding opportunities to save energy in spring

When people consider saving energy, they may think about turning down the heat during the winter and bundling up with a sweater or extra blanket. While it’s true that home heating is one of the big energy draws, there are plenty of opportunities to save energy and money in the spring and summer, too.

And energy savings, big or small, help the environment by reducing the need for more energy production.

Conservation doesn’t have to mean a loss of comfort, but rather using the resources as efficiently as possible.

One of the ways to save year-round is by using energy efficient appliances.

PUD and other utilities offer a range of rebates and incentives.

Consumers, for example, can get rebates for purchasing qualifying Energy Starrated dishwashers, refrigerators and clothes washers. PUD gives customers $30 for getting rid of their old energy-wasting refrigerators and freezers and offers incentives and rebates for home weatherization, including adding insulation, insulated windows, heat pumps and thermostats.

Useful tips for savings in

the new season:

• Unplug second refrigerators and consolidate into one.

• Defrost your freezer when ice or frost build-up is ¼ inch or thicker.

• Set your water heater no higher than 120 degrees.

• When washing your dishes and clothes run full loads.

• Install low-flow showerheads and low-flow faucet aerators.

• Repair leaking or dripping hot water faucets.

• Use your microwave instead of your oven whenever possible.

• Use small cooking appliances when possible – electric fry pans, toaster ovens, etc.

• When using your oven, cook more than one item at a time.

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs.

• Close window blinds to shade rooms from direct sunlight to avoid the need for air conditioner.

• Turn off air conditioners when you’re not home.

• Caulk and weather-strip doors and windows.

If you’re going out of town, here are a few more ways to save:

• Turn off your water heater at the circuit breaker. (Your water keeps heating even if you don’t use the water.)

• Unplug toasters, coffeemakers and other small appliances.

• Use power strips for TVs and computers. Turn them off when gone.

• Turn down your heat to 50 degrees; turn off air conditioning.

• Use compact fluorescent lights with timers for security lighting.

For other energy-saving tips and information about PUD conservation programs, visit www.snopud.com or call the PUD Energy Hotline at 425-783-1700.