There are many easy ways to save energy while reducing your impact on the environment. Join our "Cool Citizens" campaign and help stop air pollution and reduce the impacts of global warming. It's easier than you think.
Take the "Save A Ton Challenge": reduce your annual greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs) by one ton. The average American produces five tons of GHGs each year so one ton is a reduction of 20 percent.
Top Three:
- Call your electrical provider to see if you can purchase wind power. If you are a Holy Cross Energy customer, call Steve Casey at 970-945-5491 and sign up to become a Wind Power Pioneer.
- Drive the most fuel-efficient vehicle that fits your transportation needs. Here is simple maintenance tip for that vehicle...did you know that about 70% of cars and light trucks have at least one tire that is over or under inflated? Maintaining the correct tire pressure is far safer, saves money on premature tire wear and reduces your GHG emissions by at least 1/8 of a ton per year while saving about one tankful worth of gas.
- See below for more ideas!!
What can businesses do? Visit the Energy Efficiency Guide for Colorado Businesses!
(Sources:Rick Heede, Cool Citizens and Seattle City Lights and EarthWorks Group)
The No-Brainers : These tips will save energy and cost you nothing!
|
Saving Tips!
|
CO2 Savings lbs/year
|
|
| Lower water heater temp to 120 degrees F |
214
|
12.12
|
| Increase A/C thermostat by 3 degrees F |
339
|
18.90
|
| Wash clothes in cold water |
353
|
19.04
|
| Air dry clothes in summer |
327
|
18.58
|
| Unplug extra fridge in the garage |
779
|
43.60
|
| Use energy-saving features on appliances |
448
|
25.04
|
| Turn off unneeded lights |
376
|
21.04
|
|
Turn off home office equip. when not in use
|
137
|
7.68
|
|
TOTAL
|
3,605
|
$209.0
|
Appliances: Check out CORE's cash incentives for energy-saving appliances, and see the savings! If your electricity is provided by Holy Cross Energy you can also receive rebates for the purchase of certain appliances and thermostats, see www.holycross.com/ (select "green programs" then "cash rebates" for more information).
|
Smart Appliance Usage
|
CO2 Savings lbs/year
|
$$ Savings $/year
|
| Efficient Refrigerator |
829
|
46.40
|
| Front loading clothes washer |
326
|
18.48
|
| Dryer savings from front loading washer |
166
|
9.29
|
| Cut phantom loads in half. (phantom loads are current draws that occur even when appliances are switched off) see: http://www.homepower.com/files/phantom.pdf |
313
|
17.52
|
|
TOTAL
|
1,634
|
$91.69
|
Lighting accounts for about 20% of all energy use in the United States, and 10% of the CO2 emissions. With compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) becoming so affordable, this is also a no-brainer way to save! In fact if your electricity is provided by Holy Cross Energy you can receive a $25 rebate if you purchase 5 Energy Star rated CFL's at one time. See http://www.holycross.com/ (select "green programs" then "cash rebates" for more information).
|
Lighting Tips
|
CO2 Savings lbs/year
|
$$ Savings $/year
|
| Replace 6 incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps |
566
|
31.68
|
| Replace the rest as well |
602
|
33.68
|
| Replace 1 exterior light w/ a CFL |
210
|
11.76
|
| Install a motion sensor |
66
|
3.68
|
| Turn off unneeded lights!! |
376
|
21.04
|
|
TOTAL
|
1,820
|
101.84
|
Home tune-up: The gaps found around windows and doors of the average American house are the equivalent of a hole in the wall measuring 9 square feet. Heat loss through a basement floor accounts for nearly 1/3 of your heating bill. Tighten up by caulking, weatherstripping, and insulating!
|
Tighten up!
|
CO2 Savings lb/year
|
|
| Seal air leaks (get a caulk gun!) |
1,489
|
80.76
|
| Add attic insulation |
1,682
|
91.01
|
| Weatherize windows/doors |
438
|
23.74
|
| Add basement insulation |
745
|
40.15
|
| Add air gap window films |
414
|
22.30
|
| Add wall insulation |
476
|
25.84
|
| Add an attic radiant barrier |
126
|
7.05
|
|
TOTAL
|
5,370
|
290.85
|
See: The Profitability of Energy Efficiency Upgrades
Visit our site links for more tips and information!
