Talquin Electric would like to thank Flagler College Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) based in St. Augustine, FL for use of the Conservation Cadets video. SIFE is part of an international organization that teaches students the positive power of business through service learning. Conservation Cadets is one of SIFE's newest projects.
Talquin has a long standing tradition of providing services to our members in an environmentally conscientious manner. We have been buying clean hydro power as part of our energy supply for over 50 years. Today, Talquin provides conservation minded services to our members including free in-home energy usage analysis . Contact Talquin today to arrange for an Energy Usage Analysis at 627-7651.
Weatherization
It’s the time of the year when many homeowners are getting hit with cold drafts and higher energy bills. Weatherizing your home can cut down the burden on energy cost. Energy efficient improvements not only make your home more comfortable, they can yield long-term financial rewards. Typical energy saving measures include sealing air leaks, installing insulation in attics, walls and crawl spaces, tuning and upgrading heating systems, and installing low-cost energy conservation measures. The reduced utility bills more than make up for the improvements to your home over their lifetime. For information on receiving assistance in your area please contact:
Annual Energy Saving Tips To save money on your annual energy bills be sure to:
Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.
This can reduce energy consumption from lights by as much as 75%.
Cut back on pool pump usage: Six hours a day in summer and four hours in winter.
Use the thermostat auto switch when cooling or heating a home. Raise the thermostat in the summer and lower the thermostat in the winter when not at home or install a programmable thermostat.
Use a microwave oven instead of a conventional electric range or oven.
Clean the dryer lint filter before every load. Dryers with auto sensors can prevent over-drying.
Limit using hot water for pre-rinsing dishes for the dishwasher.
Only run dishwasher when full. Air-dry dishes instead of using your dishwasher's drying cycle.
For better efficiency, position your refrigerator away from heat sources such as stoves or dishwashers.
Wash full loads of clothes with warm or cold water.
Take showers instead of baths to reduce hot water use.
Unplug larger TVs and plasma TVs when not in use. Otherwise they produce heat and use electricity continuously
Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
Change Air filters every month. Dirty filters can increase the operating cost of your cooling or heating unit.
Insulate your water heater with at least R-6 insulation, preventing heat loss.
Add insulated or storm windows and doors to reduce unwanted cooling and heating loss.
Weather-strip around doors and windows. Seal cracks or crevices where two different building materials meet and between heated and unheated areas such as garages, basements and attic openings.
Winter Energy Saving Tips For those months when the temperatures are cold and your home utilizes its heating unit be sure to:
When using a heat pump, adjust your thermostat in small increments to avoid the operation of the unit's emergency heat strip. Use of this strip greatly increases your energy usage.
Keep your thermostat at the lowest comfortable temperature " 68 to 70 degrees is recommended.
Don't block your outside heating unit or stack anything on or against the heat pump.
Remove window air conditioning units during winter months to prevent heat from escaping through and around the unit. If it cannot be moved, buy an inexpensive cover to prevent drafts.
Make sure your fireplace damper seals tightly and remains closed except when a fire is burning or smoldering in the fireplace.
Check your heating system's ductwork to ensure that it is well insulated.
Open drapes and curtains to let the sun in during the day to reduce heating costs.
Close drapes and curtains at night to save money and improve comfort.
