Now there’s another way to read Tennessee Connections online! Using ActiveMagazine technology, you can flip through the actual pages of the magazine on your computer screen.
Energy Saving Tips for Spring
Try these ideas to keep cooling costs down
As spring approaches and temperatures inch higher, the cost of cooling your home can rise, too. Here are some tips and reminders to help you save energy and money this spring.
• Look Outside: Strategic landscaping can help make your home more energy efficient. Deciduous trees provide shade during hot months and let the sun shine in during cool months. For optimum energy conservation, plant trees or vines on the south side of your home.
• Fire Up the Grill: Stoves and ovens are energy-hungry and add heat to your home, so grill dinner outside if possible.
• Adjust the Temperature: A water heater setting of 120 degrees Fahrenheit is recommended to help save energy. The savings can also add up when you turn up your central air conditioning thermostat to 78 degrees or higher.
• Fans Are Cool: Ceiling fans help keep rooms cool without using a lot of energy. For the warmer months, adjust the fan blades so they create an upward airflow. (In winter, readjust the blades so they’ll force warm air downward.)
• No Leaks Allowed: According to ENERGY STAR, preventing leaks by sealing and insulating the exterior of your home (i.e., doors, windows, walls, floors, and ceilings) is an easy way to save up to 20 percent on cooling and heating. Visit www.enerystar.gov for a do-it-yourself guide.
• Keep It Clean: If you have central air conditioning, rinse debris off your outdoor condensing unit with
a water hose – and don’t forget to have your unit serviced at least every other year.
• Brush off your refrigerator’s condenser coils so the machine won’t use extra energy.
• Consumers Who Conserve: If you’re due for new drapes, look for those that are insulated and thermal-backed; they will help keep your home cool. And if you’re seeking new appliances or windows for your home, products with an ENERGY STAR label are conservation friendly.
