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Posted: Wednesday, February 1, 2012 1:44 pm
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Updated: 4:17 pm, Wed Feb 1, 2012.

Save energy with these eight smart tips

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The AEP Southwestern Electric Power Company (SWEPCO®) service
area could experience the impact of snow, sleet, ice, freezing rain
and extremely cold temperatures during February, making
energy-saving tips and a home emergency kit a good idea during
winter weather.

• For economy, set the thermostat for 68 degrees, and then leave
  it alone. Each degree above that adds to your cost. Setting it
  higher won’t heat your home any faster. A five-degree lower setting
  will conserve energy when you plan to be away for the day.
• Keep filter clean. Check them at least once a month. If it’s a
  permanent-type filter, clean it according to the manufacturer’s
  directions. A disposable one should be checked each month and
  replaced when needed. Dirty filters cause the equipment to work
  harder and use more electricity.
• The entire heating system should be inspected and serviced each
  year to operate at maximum efficiency.
• Weatherstrip doors and windows to prevent expensive air leaks.
  Check caulking around windows, doors and other parts of the
  house.
• Air leakage through small cracks and holes in a home’s exterior
  is a major reason for heat loss in the winter. Make sure all doors
  and windows are closed when the heating unit is operating.
• Open curtains or blinds on the sunny side of the house and
  allow sunshine into the home. Otherwise, keep shades closed to help
  keep the warm air inside.
• Inspect the attic. Heat rising through the ceiling into the
  attic is another major source of heat loss. Check the duct
  insulation to see that all tears are taped and the insulation is
  securely wrapped around the ducts. Over time, ducts that are not
  properly sealed can leak as much as 25 percent of heated air into
  the attic.
• When the fireplace is not in use, be sure the damper is tightly
  closed. Glass fireplace doors are also good for additional
  savings.
• SWEPCO customers are encouraged to have blankets, flashlights,
  portable radios and TVs, and a supply of fresh batteries on hand if
  the power should go off due to inclement winter weather. Customers
  can report power outages to the company 24 hours a day at
  1-888-218-3919. SWEPCO will call out crews to identify and repair
  the problem as quickly and safely as possible.

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Wednesday, February 1, 2012 1:44 pm.

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During a Community Savings Day program, local consumers received information about common sense ways to save energy and stretch food dollars.

The presentation was Saturday at the Abilene Public Library.

Tammie Rhea, account manager with consumer services of Westar Energy, Wichita, said at first it might seem unusual for a utility company to promote energy savings. However, energy conservation helps Westar Energy with its future planning. Westar Energy is the electric energy provider for Abilene residents.

“Eventually we’ll need more power generation but by saving we can delay four to five to 10 years and allow us to plan long term,” she said.

The largest use comes from heating and cooling.

“If you have money to invest the most bang for your buck is addressing heating and cooling,” Rhea said.

The best approach is to make small changes over time. Unplugging non-essential appliances over time add up on a consumer’s bottom line. That might include cellular telephone chargers. Some television and home entertainment devices can be unplugged.

Adjusting a thermostat to 68 degrees Fahrenheit during the winter and 78 degrees in the summer will cut dollars. Rhea suggested rather than dramatically adjusting the thermostat to take it in small steps. In the winter time turn it down 1 degree every three to five days to reach 68 degrees. The same principle works in the summer time.

Properly installed insulation with a high R value will reduce energy costs, Rhea said. There are several types of insulation that will dramatically cut costs.

Air leaks also need to be addressed, she said, and servicing heating and air conditioning systems can offer an important payback for consumers.

New style light bulbs are now very energy efficient, Rhea said. They may have more up-front costs, but will last much longer and generate more light at a lower wattage than the current ones.

She also gave a demonstration on LED and CFL light bulbs.

One reason she stresses energy conservation at the home level is because in the past 10 years home owners and renters have more electrical appliances ranging from computers and printers to home entertainment centers. Collectively that has helped spur an increase in demand.

“You can make a small change that can make a difference,” Rhea said.

Tightening up air leaks around windows is critical, too, she said.

Renters can also see substantial savings but they need to work with landlords before making any physical changes to their apartments and homes.

Westar Energy and other energy providers offer inexpensive home audits that can help consumers.

Sealing air leaks at the site where wires enter the house can help, too, she said.

Replacing windows may also make a difference, but she suggested the homeowner or landlord check to make sure the frames around the windows are secure first. Efficient windows, while helpful, take longer to realize an efficient payback to consumers unless they are obvious sources of energy loss.

Heat pumps can also be incorporated into a homeowner’s efficiency plan. The homeowner needs to make sure PVC is being used instead of galvanized metal.

Rhea suggested an investment in filters.

“You may not be able to replace your furnace but you can keep up with the maintenance,” she said. “Changing the air filter is easier and cheaper than replacing your system. They are usually simple and easy to replace.”

Although it is winter time, she suggested keeping an air conditioner unit unobstructed.

A homeowner may also be able to take advantage of federal tax incentives on certain energy efficency improvements. That information can be discussed with an accountant.

Peak demand occurs in the summer, Rhea said, so striving for year-round electric balance is a win-win for the utility and consumers, adding that volunteer compliance is a better way to generate savings.

She said a good website to refer to is www.energystar.gov.

Also as part of community savings day, two K-State and Dickinson County Research and Extension nutrition and personal budget experts gave a presentation on making nutritional meals in light of tighter financial times as well as limited family time because of busy schedules.

Amanda Lindahl, a family nutrition program assistant, and Alli Burns, a family and consumer sciences extension agent, provided helpful hints using food that was available at local grocery stores. They also gave a demonstration on making nutritious snacks and meals that provided treats to those who attended the Community Savings Day event.

Burns said coupons remain a common-sense approach to stretch food budgets. She suggested using grocery store coupons that are found in newspapers.

She said people need to be careful, though, not to buy unneeded items simply because of the availability of coupons. Also, she has found that trying to access coupons via internet from some websites may not be honored by local stores.

Purchasing fresh fruit and vegetables in season is also a way to save money and while adding nutritional value, the experts said.

They both said that in order to stretch a food budget it is essential to develop a list and avoid impulse buying decisions. Using that formula over a year’s time will stretch dollars.

Both said additional information is available during regular business hours at their office, located at 712 S. Buckeye, or by telephone at (785) 263-2001.

The event was provided as a partnership program with the Abilene Public Library, K-State Research and Extension-Dickinson County, Quality of Life Coalition, United Way of Dickinson County and Westar Energy. About 30 people attended the program.

With energy costs skyrocketing, saving energy means saving money -- and you can still get cash back for eco-friendly upgrades. We tell you where to find the rebate programs and what you need to know to get started.

Feeling a draft? Still running old appliances? You could be doing more harm to the environment — and your budget — than you think.

According to statistics from the Canadian government, nearly one fifth of all energy produced goes into powering our homes — that’s a lot of green house gases produced and a drain on power resources. Add to that many homeowners are feeling the pinch of steeply rising energy costs and it’s no surprise that everyone’s looking for ways to cut back their energy use.

However, sometimes a few small fixes won’t make the big impact we want to see on our bills. Somtimes it costs money to make money — or, in this case, save money.

And a little financial incentive never hurts either. In the past few years, government rebate programs have come and gone — and been extended. Here’s an overview of some of the current programs available to help you save your energy and money.

The Federal Government ecoENERGY Retrofit Program

Good news for homeowners: this popular program was renewed in June 2011. You’ll have to hurry if you want in or want to claim any work you’ve had since then — the program was extended to the end of March 2012. To date, participants have saved about 20 per cent in energy costs.

If you’re not familiar with the program, it offers up to $5000 in tax rebates for home improvements and retrofits that will save energy and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. If you participated previously but didn’t take advantage of the full amount, you can still claim improvements you’ve made since June 2011.

Here’s how it works:

- Start by registering for the program on the ecoENERGY website . This step is new, so even past participants will have to sign up.

After you have registered, the next step for new participants is getting an energy audit from a qualified National Resources Canada (NRCan)-licensed advisor. During this pre-retrofit evaluation, the advisor will examine your home and recommend improvements that will help save energy. If you’ve already had an energy audit (after April 2007, that is), you don’t need a second one.

- You complete any or all of the upgrades and improvements on your list. For each qualifying upgrade, there is a flat amount set for the rebate. (Find out which improvements qualify and see the rebate amount in the Grant Table for ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes at http://oee.nrcan.gc.ca/residential/personal/retrofit/4171 .)

- Once the work is complete, the advisor will come back for a post-retrofit evaluation. You and your advisor complete the grant form and submit the paperwork. Be aware that the program now requires you to show your receipts to the advisor as proof.

Remember, even returning participants need this post-retrofit evaluation — and it has to be done before March 31, 2012.

- You receive your cheque within 90 days.

See the ecoENERGY Retrofit – Homes website at http://ecoaction.gc.ca/ecoenergy-ecoenergie/retrofithomes-renovationmaisons-eng.cfm for full details.

Provincial Programs

The Federal program is just a start — most provinces have some sort of energy-saving initiative that offers rebates and savings on home improvement. Some programs mirror the ecoENERGY program, while others are offered through energy companies or other partnerships.

Here’s a brief rundown:

- Newfoundland Power and Newfoundland and Labrador Hydro’s Take Charge NL program offers rebates for upgrading insulation, installing programmable thermostats and replacing old windows with Energy Star® approved ones. The provincial government also has a EnerGuide for Houses Program which offers $300 toward the cost of a complete home energy evaluation and a grant up to $1,500 for completing recommended retrofits. The Residential Energy Efficiency Program (REEP) offers funding for low-income homeowners. (For more information, see takechargenl.ca and http://www.nr.gov.nl.ca/nr/energy/efficiency/energuide_houses.html .)

- Efficiency Nova Scotia offers incentives for retiring old appliances, using solar power to heat your home or water and programs for lower income families. The EnerGuide for Existing Houses offers rebates for upgrades — and like other programs, requires pre- and post-upgrade assessments. (For more information, see www.efficiencyns.ca .)

- New Brunswick’s Efficiency NB Residential program covers up to half of the cost of pre- and post-upgrade energy assessments and offers up to $6000 for energy efficient improvements.

(For more information, see www.efficiencynb.ca .)

- Prince Edward Island’s Energy Efficiency Loan/Grant Programs offers a loan or a grant for upgrades. You’ll need to know all your costs before you apply, and once your application is approved you’ll need to have an inspection before and after the work is done. Grants take the form of a PST and GST rebate of up to $1500 for the work that is completed. Energy efficient windows and doors are eligible for a separate grant of $30 per window or door up to $500.

You’ll have to hurry though — only a certain number of people can use the program each year. New applications will be accepted as of April 1, 2012. (For more information, see www.gov.pe.ca/oee/residential .)

- Québec’s Rénoclimat offers home energy evaluations and financial assistance for energy-efficient upgrades (a fee of $25 applies), and Hydro Québec offers a variety of programs including mail-in rebates for installing energy-efficient lighting and a programmable thermostat, a $30 reward for getting rid of an old fridge and a discount on new windows and doors.(For more information, see www.efficaciteenergetique.mrnf.gouv.qc.ca/en/my-home/renoclimat and www.hydroquebec.com/residential/efficacite.html .)

- While the Ontario government no longer offers programs, the Ontario Home Energy Audit Program offers rebates of 50 per cent off the cost of a home energy audit (up to $150). The Ontario Power Authority offers programs ranging from free freezer or refrigerator pick up to coupons on energy-saving lighting and up to $650 off a new heating or cooling system. (For more information, see saveonenergy.ca .)

- Manitoba’s Power Smart Savings, Rebates and Loans cover a variety of areas such as appliances, renewable energy and insulation. Most the programs are ongoing, and some as designed to help low income and First Nations families. (For more information, see www.hydro.mb.ca/your_home/savings_home.shtml .)

- Saskatchewan’s EnerGuide for Houses is similar to the federal program, but lasts much longer — until the end of October in 2013. (If you’re doing work right away, be aware that the provinces wants people to try the federal program first.) (For more information, see www.saskenergy.com/Saving_Energy/energuide.asp .)

- British Columbia’s LiveSmart BC is similar to other programs: a flat fee rebate based on the work you have done, and the pre- and post-upgrade energy assessments are required. BC residents can take advantage of this program until March 21, 2013. (For more information, see www.livesmartbc.ca .)

- While most of the territories’ programs have ended, if you’re in the Yukon, you have until February 28, 2012 to take advantage of the the Good Energy Rebate Program — which offers rebates on appliances, heating, heat recovery systems and energy audits. (For more information, see www.energy.gov.yk.ca/good_energy.html .)

Of course, federal and provincial programs aren’t the only ones you can take advantage of — many cities and regions offer their own incentives and rebates. Check with your local power company and city website for details.

Though not covered here, there are programs available for businesses, condos and rental properties as well as new energy-efficient homes (such as a break on your mortgage). Grants and interest free loans may also be available, and in some cases there are special initiatives for low income households (earning less than $40,000 per year).

What to know before you apply

- Make sure you understand the costs and the requirements. If you’re only making a few changes, the combined cost of the energy evaluations might be more than the rebate you’ll receive. For instance, if you have a large home then you might be on the hook for up to $600 without rebates.

- Some programs require you to go through the federal program first. You can’t claim the same upgrades for more than one program, but eligibility requirements are different so you may be able to access one program if you aren’t eligible for the other.

- Many programs can only be accessed once. If you use your chance on minor improvements, you could lose out when it comes time to make major ones. (A warning: keep an eye out for program changes or cancellations).

- Grants and rebates aren’t retroactive. In other words, you can’t apply for money for work that’s already been completed without that initial assessment. If your furnace dies suddenly, you won’t get a rebate unless your home is inspected before you replace it.

- The improvements you make have to be recommended by your advisor otherwise they don’t qualify.

- If you plan to do the work yourself, you likely won’t be able to claim your own labour.

The bottom line: While you’re planning your home improvements, spend a little time researching what rebates are available. Find out what improvements are eligible and how much you can receive before you book an audit. As always, be sure to read the fine print and look for limits and exclusions.

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/ Alex Slobodkin