FORT KNOX, Ky. – Energy Awareness Month in October serves as an opportunity for residents to think about ways they can not only lower energy use but their monthly bills.
Fort Knox energy manager R.J. Dyrdek said many consumers don’t necessarily think about how much conserving energy can positively affect their pocketbooks.
“Saving energy directly relates to saving money,” said Dyrdek. “It’s an easy correlation that can help people reduce their bills at home.”
Studies show there is one energy trend in particular happening nationwide, Dyrdek said.
“Energy waste in general is pretty rampant in America,” said Dyrdek. “Somewhere between 10 and 15% of all energy used is absolute waste.”
Dyrdek pointed out there’s a simple action consumers can take to help eliminate waste.
“The signs we put up on post are pretty telltale: ‘Switch it off, America!’” said Dyrdek. “If you’re not using it, you’ve got to turn it off – even just simply take time to walk back through your house before you leave and make sure everything is off.”
The most significant place energy is used during winter months, according to Dyrdek, is in the heating and cooling system. He said although comfort on cold days is a priority, a very small change can have a very large impact.
“Setting a thermostat just one degree lower in a typical 2,000 square-foot home is worth about $20 a month,” said Dyrdek. “Set it at 70 or 71 instead of 72, and just throw a blanket on when you’re sitting on the couch.”
Because HVAC systems are the main offender for energy overuse, Dyrdek highly recommended residents upgrade their thermostats; programmable types can have the largest impact on both conservation and costs.
“The smart thermostats are worth their money in gold,” said Dyrdek. “As energy prices go up, even if you schedule it minimally, it will save you quite a bit of money.”
Dyrdek advised programming the heat to run several degrees lower during the day if no one will be home and then setting it back where it’s most comfortable a short time before family members begin returning.
He revealed another HVAC-related issue that some residents may not realize has an impact on energy use.
“Changing the filter often is huge,” said Dyrdek. “When the unit is trying to satisfy the thermostat and has to push air through a dirty filter, it can’t satisfy it as easily. With a clean filter, it can do that a lot more efficiently.”
According to Dyrdek, there’s no need to spend a lot of money on filters. He said he’s an advocate of buying cheaper ones and simply changing them out more often.
“That’s always somebody’s individual preference, of course,” said Dyrdek. “You can go either way, but just changing them out often is the best advice I can give.”
How frequent residents should swap filters depends from household to household, Dyrdek said. He explained a person living alone with no pets could change a filter seasonally, while a multiperson family, especially if there are pets, should put in a fresh filter every 30 days.
Dyrdek said there are also other ways consumers can ensure their HVAC uses less energy.
“If you have fireplaces and you make sure they’re efficient, they can help keep the furnace from running as much,” said Dyrdek. “I personally have a couple of woodstoves, and they’re outrageously efficient.”
Although other sources of heat can be effective, there was one item Dyrdek warned against.
“Very rarely is a space heater energy efficient,” said Dyrdek. “They utilize electricity to make heat, and they’re usually not good at it. They’re expensive, plus they pose a fire hazard.”
In addition to working to lower heat production, Dyrdek said there are also ways consumers can reduce how much heat is lost around the house.
“Go around your house and feel your outlets or hold a match up to them. If you feel cold air or see the flame blow, you have air leaking,” said Dyrdek. “You can put specially made insulators in them that are very inexpensive and can save you a lot of money.”
Doors and windows can also be sources of heat loss, according to Dyrdek. He said while there are numerous products consumers can utilize to reduce the amount of heat lost in those areas, a lot can be said for performing simple checks.
“If you can see light in the gaps around them, you’re wasting heat,” said Dyrdek. “Make sure those windows are closed up tight and locked.”
There are also ways consumers can add heat to their home from sources they may not have thought of. Dyrdek said the simple act of leaving the oven door open after cooking, dishwasher open when the cycle is complete, or opening the bathroom door after a shower to allow steam to escape can all be effective.
“They’re things you don’t necessarily think of as adding heat to your house,” said Dyrdek, “but you spent the money on that energy already, and every little bit helps.”
Overall, Dyrdek said he hopes residents see the best outcome of working to conserve energy at home is that it doesn’t just help them save money individually but goes much further.
“If we all worked to pull this rope in the same direction and get more efficient, it’ll start to make a difference,” said Dyrdek. “A little goes a long way.”
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