Customer
Programs
ResidentialEnergy Saving Tips
Energy Conservation
has two great results, it is good for the environment and can save you money on
your electric utility bill.
Here are a few easy ways to save energy at home:
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- Keep equipment clean and well maintained to improve efficiency
- Look at energy efficiency when purchasing new equipment. Look for high Annual Fuel
Utilization Efficiency (AFUE) and Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) ratings.
The national minimum standards are 78% AFUE and 10 SEER. Before making your purchase
check out IPL's Rebate program for energy efficient equipment. Click here to visit our Rebates page.
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Purchase the right size equipment for the job. Too large or too small an air conditioner
will be less efficient over time, than a properly sized unit.
- Turn off the lights when you leave the room!
- Use task lighting just where you need it, rather than lighting the entire room.
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs. They use much less
energy and last approximately 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Compact fluorescents
are more expensive than incandescent bulbs but pay for themselves over time.
- Seal and insulate duct systems to keep heated or cooled air from leaking into unheated
and unconditioned spaces.
- When the fireplace is not in use keep the flue damper tightly closed
- Caulk and weatherstrip doors and windows that leak air
- Install gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls
- Install exterior or interior storm windows in new construction, repair and weatherize
current storm windows if necessary.
- Use programmable or automatic set back thermostats to keep heating and cooling costs
to a minimum. In the summer you can save money by automatically setting temperatures
higher (within your comfort and health requirements) when the home is unoccupied
and at night when you are sleeping.
- Keep equipment that generates heat, such as lamps and TV sets, away from thermostats.
- Plant trees and shrubs to shade your outside air conditioning unit. Remember to
call IPL at 325-7485 to mark underground power lines before you dig.
- Plant shade trees on the south and west sides of your home to shade and cool your
house. In the winter after losing their leaves, they will still allow winter sunlight
to warm your home.
- Evergreen trees planted on the north and west side of a home can deflect winter
winds. Planted on the south and west side of a home, they can deflect summer winds.
- Many local libraries, and landscape companies can provide information on how to
landscape for energy efficiency.
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- Look for the EnergyGuide label when shopping for new appliances. The label will
tell you the estimated energy consumption on a scale showing a range for similar
models. The label will also show the estimated yearly operating cost for that appliance,
based on the national average cost of electricity.
- Also look for the Energy Star label on new appliances. They are approved by the
Department of Energy as being the most energy efficient in their classes.
- Check the seals on refrigerator doors by closing them over a dollar bill. If they
pull out easily, you may need to make sure the refrigerator is level or replace
the seal around the door.
- Wash clothes in full loads with cold water whenever possible.
For more information on how you can save energy at home call us at 325-7485
or contact us by
email. We will be happy to send you a FREE booklet:
For more information on how you can save energy, please visit the Web sites below.
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