Energy-saving tips: Part II - www.micronesiarewableenergy.com

WE ARE all feeling the crunch of power rates.

Let’s face it – rates are not ever going to be what they were five years ago. This month is Energy Action Month on Guam and here are a few actions you may want to consider to get that dreadful power bill under control.

Standby power or phantom loads is power that is used by an appliance or device when it is turned off. Some phantom users include VCRs, televisions, clock radios, stereos, computers, battery charges, cell phone chargers and coffee makers. To avoid phantom usage, plug these items into a power strip and turn off the power strips between uses. Phantom loads can account for about 10 percent of your energy bill.

Curtains or blinds can cover windows to keep you cooler on hot days.

• Tinting windows reduce the radiant heat while allowing you to see through them.
• Use weather stripping and caulk around windows and doors to keep the cool air from escaping.

Replace your major appliances or air-conditioners that are more than 10 years old with modern appliances that conform to the Energy Star standards. Energy Star appliances are more efficient and are 10 to 20 percent cheaper to operate. According to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, a new air-conditioner that has an energy efficiency rating, or EER, of 10 can cut a room’s cooling costs to 50 percent, compared to a unit that has an EER of 5.

Refrigerators, freezers

• Keep them full. Food acts as insulation and lessens the amount of work to stay cool.
• Dirty condenser coils adds up to more expensive power bills. Because the appliance works harder, it will shorten its life expectancy. Vacuum the coils to remove dust.
• Most refrigerators have a drain hole and drip pan to remove condensation. Keep these clean of any food particles to ensure the appliance running efficiently.
• A gasket on the door seals in cool air and keeps warm air out and is imperative to the efficiency of your appliance. Ensure the seal is tight and check the gaskets for cracks or other damages. Replace them if necessary.
• Is your appliance is on level ground? If the ground is not level, the doors may not close or seal tightly.
• Electric water heaters are the second most expensive item reflected in your energy usage.
• Use a timer on your hot water heater and set it to come on for the times you need it most, and to go off when you need it the least. Most heaters are big enough and have sufficient insulation to maintain adequate hot water throughout the day without being switched on.
• Heating water accounts for approximately 15 percent of a home’s energy use. High-efficiency water heaters use 10 to 50 percent less energy than standard models.
• How much you actually save with high-efficiency water heaters depends on family size, heater location, and the size and placement of water pipes.

Solar water heaters are more expensive than standard models, but certainly offer more cost-saving features. Harnessing the sun’s energy can reduce operating costs by a whopping 90 percent. Even on Guam the sun takes a break, so I advise to keep a conventional water heater as a backup.

We are all working to achieve the goal of lowering our energy bills and protecting the environment. By changing to more energy-efficient practices and products, we are one step closer to achieving that goal.

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Tracy Voacolo is the president of Micronesia Renewable Energy. She has more than 20 years of experience in the renewable energy industry. Tracy can be contacted at info[at]micronesiarenewableenergy.com.

For more information about Micronesia Renewable Energy, visit http://micronesiarenewableenergy.com/.