Energy Conservation Workshop SPONSORED BY: Xcel Energy
Survey What actions are you already taking to save energy in your home?
Where does energy go?
Why Energy Conservation? You can Use less energy Save Money Reduce Environmental Impact What reason is important for you?
Ways to Save Energy Conservation Behavior Change = Using less energy with the equipment we already have Savings = 5% No cost actions Ex. Turn off the lights vs. Efficiency Upgrades to equipment Both low and higher cost improvements Savings =15% Energy Efficient equipment will use less energy by design Ex. Switch to LED lights
Energy Bill Basics 1. Account Information 2. Energy Usage 3. Cost by Energy Use 4. Past Information 5. Current Information
Year to Year Comparisons Example: Nov 2016 vs. Nov 2017 Things to look for: Temperature kwh and Therms Cost per day Higher therm use in current (blue) year vs. previous (light gray) year. What contributes to that?
Electricity Usage Electric Energy Usage
Using Electricity How have you used electricity today? Electronics Appliances Heating and Cooling Lights Space Heaters
Using Electricity Example: How much does it cost to run your space heater during the month? (one 1500 watt space heater, 12 hours per day) 1 month *all calculations are estimates. Actual results will vary based on individual home factors Safety Note: Space heaters are a fire hazard. Keep your family safe by eliminating space heaters when possible
Conserving Electricity Based on ways we identified using electricity, what are ways you think you can save? SPACE HEATERS Turn up your thermostat 1 or 2 degrees instead of using a space heater COMPUTERS Power down computers and unplug or switch off power strips when not in use COOLING Uses fans only when you are in the room. Fans cool people, not spaces! POWER Turn off powerstrips when not in use to cut phantom energy loads LIGHTS Turn off lights when not in use and replace incandescent bulbs with LED APPLIANCES Make sure your fridge is set to efficient temp between 36 and 40 degrees
Natural Gas Natural Gas Energy Usage
Using Natural Gas How have you used Natural Gas today? Thermostat Appliances Hot water heater Furnace - Heating the home Heating food Drying clothes Heating water
Conserving Natural Gas ADJUST the thermostat Thermostat Estimated savings of 1% of your total bill for every 1 the thermostat is lowered. Heating the home If your monthly heating bill is $100, how much could you save if you lower the thermostat by 8 while away and overnight?
Conserving Natural Gas What are ways you can conserve natural gas and save $$? Set Efficient Temperature Settings for At Home Winter 68-70 Summer: 78-82 While away and asleep, adjust by 5-10 FURNACE FILTER Change your furnace filter at least every 3 months to keep equipment running efficiently and your home more comfortable APPLIANCES Use the microwave instead of oven to reheat meals HOT WATER Wash laundry and rinse dishes in cold water
Track your Savings! https://myaccount.xcelenergy.com/
Other Programs LEAP Heating Bill Pay Assistance Applications are accepted November 1 April 30 U.S. citizen or legal resident of Colorado Pay heating costs directly to Xcel or it is included in your rent Gross monthly income meets requirements Apply at colorado.gov/cdhs/leap Or by calling 1-866-HEAT HELP (1-866-432-8435) CARE Energy Assessment and Installation of Efficiency Measures Meet monthly income requirements There is a CARE agency servicing your county You are a current customer of a CARE utility provider Apply at energyoutreach.org/gethelp/care Or by calling 303-226-5061
Take the Energy Pledge! What simple action will you and your family take to conserve energy and save $$$? I PLEDGE TO: ADJUST: Lower my thermostat by 5-8 degrees (in winter) and increase by 5-8 degrees (in summer) while away from home and asleep ADJUST: Eliminate use of space heaters that cost more to run and can be dangerous. Instead, I will turn up my thermostat by 1 or 2 degrees when needed REDUCE: Turn off the lights in my home when I leave a room POWER DOWN: Unplug my phone charger when not in use to eliminate phantom loads POWER DOWN: Turn off my computer and power strip when not in use to eliminate phantom loads
Family Fun What are some other ways you and your family can try to save together? Tips for engaging your kids Show by example Start small and pick ONE action Do a fun project together! Have your kids make signs for their bedroom light switch to remember to turn off the lights!
Take the Energy Pledge! To receive an LED bulb to install in your home, come take the pledge online! Don t change another bulb for 11 years! https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/eocenergypledge
Energy Myths True or False? Your phone charger still uses energy when it is plugged in, but not charging your phone.
Energy Myths True or False? Turning my lights off when I leave the room only to turn them back on immediately wastes energy. It is better to keep the lights on.
Energy Myths True or False? Lowering the thermostat while away will use more energy to heat the home when you return. It is best to maintain a constant temperature.
Energy Myths True or False? The higher you set your thermostat, the quicker your home will heat up.
Energy Myths True or False? Fans do not lower the temperature of a space. They only move air which makes warm spaces more comfortable for occupants.