Powerful money saving ideas·from·Mayfield Electric & Water Systems and·TVA.

If you are interested in saving energy and money at home but are not certain what you can do, Mayfield Electric & Water Systems will be happy to help.

Conserving electricity and water does not mean depriving yourself of comforts and conveniences.· It simply means to guard against waste, to be aware of the inefficient ways electricity and water can be used, and to do something about it.

Some conservation measures can involve money, but there are many ways to save electricity and water without spending any at all.

Take a tour through these pages and your house and see where energy and water might be being wasted and find suggestions on how to save.

You need not follow every suggestion listed to save, but it will take a combination of the suggestions to significantly lower the amount of energy and water you use.

• The Attic

  Even insulated attics may have gaps, cracks, or openings where heat leaves your house in winter and enters it in summer.

  • Stuff extra fiber insulation into any openings where pipes, ducts, or exhaust fans are cut through the attic floor.
  • Do not cover recessed light fixtures or allow any material to come in contact with them as this may cause a fire.  Always leave a 3 inch clearance around the fixtures.
  • Make sure vents are cleared of obstructions in order to help prevent moisture in the attic.

• The Bathroom

  The place to conserve energy in the bathroom is at the hot water faucet. Hot water down the drain is nothing less than money down the drain, so remember:

  • Repair leaky faucets.
  • Take quick warm showers instead of long hot baths.
  • Don't let the water run while shaving.
  • Turn faucets off tightly to prevent dripping.
  • When you bathe, turn on the bathroom exhaust fan or open a window in the summer to prevent a buildup of moisture and heat in your home.
  • Add a shower restrictor to reduce water flow.

• The Kitchen

  Your kitchen contains more electrical appliances than any other room in the house.  The largest energy users in your kitchen are the refrigerator, freezer, and range.  These appliances account for approximately 12% of your total electric bill.

  Refrigerator and Freezer

  • Set the refrigerator temperature between 36 - 40 degrees, the freezer no colder than zero.
  • Open the doors as seldom as possible, then close them quickly.
  • Cool foods to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator unless otherwise specified in the recipe.
  • Defrost manual refrigerators when frost is 1/4" thick.
  • Remove contents and unplug your second refrigerator--unless you really need it. (In most cases, state law requires that all unused refrigerators have the door removed or locked so children cannot open them.)
  • Keep condenser coils clean.
  • Keep freezer full.  The fuller the freezer, the less cold air you lose when you open the door.

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  Range

  • Select pots and pans that fit the heating units.
  • Use flat-bottomed utensils with tight fitting lids.
  • Don't preheat the oven unless the recipe instructs you too.
  • When broiling, it is not always necessary to preheat.
  • Avoid opening the oven door until food is cooked.  Use a timer.
  • Thaw frozen foods (except vegetables) before cooking unless otherwise specified by the recipe.
  • Cook vegetables in the smallest amount of water possible.  Use a tight-fitting lid to quickly bring the water to a boil, then reduce the setting to the lowest temperature to finish cooking.
  • Plan meals so several foods can cook simultaneously in the oven.
  • After cooking, turn the oven off and used stored heat to warm rolls, etc.
  • Pressure cookers save energy by shortening cooking time.

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  Dishwasher and Disposal

  • If you use only a few dishes a day, run the dishwasher once a week.  Washing full loads of dishes uses less water than washing them all by hand.
  • If you rinse dishes before putting them in the dishwasher, use cold water.
  • Use energy-saving cycles, if available.
  • Skip the drying cycle and let dishes air dry.
  • use only cold water in your garbage disposal.  It not only conserves energy but prevents plumbing problems as well.

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  Microwave

  • Use when reheating leftovers, takeout foods, and convenience foods.
  • Use for speedy thawing of frozen foods.
  • Use in food preparation for recipes calling for melted butter or hot liquids or sauces.
  • Use when preparing or cooking a single dish.  If several items are to be cooked at the same time, the conventional oven may be more economical.
  • Substitute the microwave oven for the conventional oven whenever possible in the summertime.  The microwave doesn't heat up the kitchen.

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  Small Appliances

  • A toaster oven can be used in place of the conventional oven for toasting, heating, and cooking small quantities of food.
  • Any small cooking appliance will be more economical than using the range.

• The Laundry Area

  Your laundry area has at least three appliances which add to your electrical and water usage:  the washer, dryer, and iron.  The washer used little electricity itself, but great amounts of water.  Most of the energy consumed by the washer is for the hot water, which adds considerably to your total bill.  The dryer uses more electricity; almost 3% of your total electric bill.  Following are a few suggestions for a more energy-efficient laundry room.

  • Launder only full loads if possible.  If you cannot wait for a full load, adjust the water level of the washer to accommodate a smaller load.
  • Wash in the coolest water possible. (A disinfectant that doesn't harm fabrics may be added to the wash.)
  • Rinse clothes in cold water.
  • Dry full loads without overloading.
  • Stop the dryer as soon as clothes are dry.  Over drying sets wrinkles and uses extra energy.
  • Clean the lint filter after each load.
  • Hang clothes outside to dry or use a folding drying rack whenever possible.
  • Don't leave the iron on while doing other things.

• Living Room, Den, Bedrooms

  There are several energy saving ideas that can be applied to the living room, den, and bedrooms of your house.

  • Turn off unnecessary lights.

  • Use dimmer switches.

  • Use low-wattage bulbs where lighting is not critical, such as in halls and closets.

  • Use fluorescent lighting when practical.

  • Eliminate decorative lighting.

  • Never let TV's, stereos, or radios play to empty rooms.

  • Keep air vents out of obstructions such as draperies and furniture.

  • Keep fireplace dampers tightly closed when not in use.

  • Add glass doors to the fireplace.

  • Keep doors and windows tightly closed when the heating or cooling system is in use.  Weather permitting, turn off the air conditioner unit and open the windows.

  • Keep the thermostat no higher than 68 degrees in the winter and no lower than 78 degrees in the summer, making adjustments for long absences.

  • Draperies and shades are important.  During winter months, open draperies and let the sun in.  Close them if the sun is not shining and at night.  During summer months, close draperies on the sunny side of the house to keep heat out and cool air in.

• Heating and Cooling

  Cool off your Energy Bill with this Airtight Approach

  Heating and cooling are the main energy consumers in your home, accounting for more than 40 cents of every dollar on your monthly bill. Because so much of your budget goes to staying cool in the summer and warm in the winter, MEWS recommends:

  • An efficient heating and cooling system. Central air conditioners, heat pumps and room air conditioners should have a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) of 12 or higher. For room air conditioners, the energy efficiency ratio (EER) should be 10 or higher. The higher the SEER/EER, the cheaper the unit will be to operate. Gas furnaces should be rated at a minimum of 80% Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency (AFUE).

  • A heat pump for year-round heating and cooling. These all-in-one systems heat in the winter and cool in the summer. In the summer, a heat pump is a high-efficiency air conditioner. In the winter, it's one of the best heating systems you can own.

  • Duct work that is free of leaks and well insulated. The ducts that move heated and cooled air through your house should be carefully taped and wrapped with at least two inches of insulation.

  • Correctly insulating and sealing your home. The harder your heating and air conditioning system must work to overcome air leaks, the higher your bills will be. Even simple steps, such as closing a fireplace damper or caulking around plumbing pipes, can save you money on your electric bill.

  • Regular maintenance. Change air filters monthly and have your heating and air conditioning system inspected by a professional at least once a year. Also, make sure your outdoor unit stays free of grass clippings and other obstructions. A dirty or clogged condenser costs more to operate.

• Water Usage

  
  Inside the home, water is used for drinking, bathing, cooking and cleaning. A person may use 60 to 80 gallons of water each day. Using less water indoors means saving not only on water bills, but also on energy and wastewater costs. There are three main ways to save water in the home:

  • Find and repair leaks. Fix dripping faucets; usually a new washer is all it takes. Put a few drops of food coloring in the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl after a few minutes without flushing, you have a leak that needs to be repaired.  Click the Water Leak link to learn more about how to find and fix a leak.

  • Install water-saving devices. Low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators are inexpensive and easy to install. For the toilet, fill one or two plastic bottles with water and weight them with a few stones. Place them inside the tank where they won't interfere with the operation of any moving parts. Each time you flush, you will save as much water as is displaced by the bottles. If you're in the market to buy a new toilet, read about 1.6 gallons per flush toilets.
  • Change your habits to use less water. Become conscious of the amount of water you're using and look for ways to use less. Here are some simple ways you can conserve water without affecting your lifestyle:

  In the Bathroom

  • Turn off the water while brushing your teeth or shaving. Wet your toothbrush, then draw a glass of water for rinsing. Before shaving, partially fill the sink with warm water for rinsing the razor blade.
  • Don't use the toilet as a trash can.
  • Take shorter showers or bathe in half a tub of water.

  In the Kitchen

  • Run the dishwasher only when it's full. Do small loads by hand.
  • Don't rinse the dishes before putting them into the dishwasher, just scrape them clean.
  • When washing fruits or vegetables, fill the sink with water instead of running the faucet.
  • Store a jug of water in the refrigerator for a cool drink.

  In the Laundry

  • Run only full loads in the washing machine unless you can adjust for smaller loads.
  • If you're in the market for a new washer, consider one of the new water-saving models.

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  Toilets: Can 1.6 Gallons Do the Job?

  Toilet flushing is the number one water consumer in the home, accounting for almost 40 percent of indoor residential water use. As a nation, we flush away more than five billion gallons of water every day. Since the early 1980s, most toilets have been designed to use 3.5 gallons per flush, down from five or six a generation earlier. With the Energy Policy Act of 1992, all toilets currently manufactured in the United States use no more than 1.6 gallons per flush. The American Water Works Association estimates a nationwide savings of 6.5 billion gallons of water per day will be realized by 2025 under the new standards.

  The first generation of 1.6 toilets had reduced tank sizes, but the bowls were not redesigned, resulting in poorly functioning units. Poor installation and substandard plumbing have also resulted in unsatisfactory results.

  Are you in the market for a new toilet? There are very good 1.6 gallon toilets available, both gravity-operated models and models that pressurize the flush water. Pressure-assisted toilets generally perform better than gravity-flush toilets, but tend to be more expensive. Pressure-assisted toilets range from $210 to $815 and gravity-flush toilets range from $65 to $575. Get specific brand and model recommendations from your friends and neighbors. Check out the February 1995 issue of Consumer Reports for an evaluation of 1.6 toilets.

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  Washing Machines: A New Revolution in Water Conservation

  Horizontal-axis washing machine technology, long the standard in Europe, has recently crossed the Atlantic. In the last year, four major U.S. appliance manufacturers have developed horizontal-axis washers that use approximately 40 percent less water and energy than existing models.

  Washing machines traditionally have a vertical axis drum that agitates the clothes back and forth in a tub full of water. Large washers use approximately 40 gallons of water per load. A horizontal axis, front-loading washer tumbles clothes in a smaller amount of water. The clothes are lifted up and plunged down, like a dryer, which flexes fibers and loosens trapped soil. They only use between 20 and 25 gallons per load.

  The cleaning action of the new washers is reported to be at least as good and perhaps superior to traditional washers. The new machines have at least three wash cycles, resulting in less detergent remaining in the clothes. Since there is no central agitator around which the clothes are pulled, there is less wear and tear on clothes. Also, without an agitator there is more room for large quilts, parkas and other big items.

  Like all new technology, these washers are currently fairly expensive. Frigidaire Gallery and Gibson (made by Frigidaire) models are currently priced at approximately $800 in local stores. The Maytag Neptune and an Asko model are each selling for close to $1,000. Amana and GE have also developed new models. A vertical axis machine with similar features costs about $450. What savings will you see? Savings in water costs don't add up very quickly. If you do five loads a week, you might save about $6 per year for the water. In addition, energy costs to heat the water and for drying will also be decreased. Most of the new washers have faster spin cycles, resulting in less water in the clothes to be dried.

• Water Heating

  
  Water Heating

  Follow These Suggestions to Stay Out of Hot Water on Your Electric Bill

  The electric water heater provides you with hot water 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.  It represents about 16% of your total electric bill.  This makes heating water the third largest energy consumer in your home, after heating and cooling. Even if your water heater is in good shape, consider buying a newer, more efficient model. Most hot water tanks have a life span of 10 to 15 years. Replace an aging water heater now, before it fails. Do your research while you have time to answer important questions about the type of water heater that will fit your family's needs. If you can't buy new water heater today, save money and energy with an existing system by following these suggestions.

  • Install low-flow shower heads. The average family can save an estimated 270 gallons of water a week, or nearly 14,000 gallons annually, by switching to low-flow showerheads. If half that amount is hot water, it will save you money on your energy bill.
  • Wrap any water heater that is more than 5 years old with an insulating jacket. Newer models are usually adequately insulated. For additional savings, wrap hot water pipes. Making these changes can cut the amount of energy used to heat water by 20 percent.
  • Lower the temperature on your hot water to 120 degrees. If you have a dishwasher without a booster heater, set the thermostat at 140 degrees. Higher temperatures can waste energy and pose a safety hazard.
  • Repair leaky hot water faucets. One drop a second can add more than 100 gallons a month of wasted water and energy.
  • Add a heat-recovery device. Directing wasted heat from your air conditioning system to your water heater can lower energy costs.

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  Learn more about Mayfield Electric and Water Systems' Water Heater Program by clicking the link below.

  MEWS' Water Heater Program

• Appliances

  Save on Tomorrow's Electric Bill by Investing in Energy-Efficient Appliances Today

  Energy-efficient appliances and space conditioning equipment do cost more up front. However, over the life of an appliance, your energy savings could more than offset what you pay. When the average American household spends more than $1,000 a year to run appliances and heating and cooling equipment, that's a real opportunity for savings. When shopping for new appliances:

  • Check the yellow-and-black Energy Guide for annual operating costs. Compare these costs among competing brands and models of similar size and features. When considered along with the purchase price, you can estimate how much you will save over the life of the appliance. Of course, how you operate and maintain any appliance will determine the amount of energy you save. To recoup your costs as quickly as possible, follow these energy conservation tips.
  • Refrigerators and freezers are among the most energy-hungry appliances in your home. Make sure they run efficiently. Clean condenser coils regularly, remove frost build-up, and replace worn door gaskets.
  • Use the energy-saver settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers.
  • Use microwave ovens, whenever possible, to cook, defrost and warm foods. They're cheaper to operate and can reduce air conditioning costs.

• Lighting

  You're Positively Incandescent (Maybe That Should Be Fluorescent)

  Most homes use incandescent lights, even though fluorescent bulbs are more efficient. Although lighting plays a minor role in the size of your monthly electric bill, replacing a 750-hour, 100-watt standard light bulb with a compact fluorescent of 27 watts can still save you enough money for dinner and a movie over the life of the bulb. Here are some easy ways to realize savings on lighting:

  • Use compact fluorescent light bulbs whenever possible. They last 10 times longer than regular light bulbs and usually fit in the same sockets.
  • Install high-efficiency lamps in all outdoor fixtures. They use less electricity and last longer than standard bulbs.
  • Always keep fixtures clean for maximum light, use low-wattage bulbs where you can, and turn lights off when they are not in use.
  • Install and use solid-state dimmer switches with incandescent lighting. Fluorescent lights should not be used with dimmer switches.

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  If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an ENERGY STAR qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars. Learn more about compact fluorescent light bulbs by clicking the link below.

  Compact Fluorescent Light Bulbs (CFL's)

• Insulation

  Keep Your Energy Costs from Going Through the Roof by Properly Insulating Your Home

  Insulation slows down the flow of heat by acting as a temperature barrier between the inside of your home and the outside. Not only is a well-insulated home more comfortable, it can put money in your pocket. Increasing ceiling insulation in an average, older home can save up to $100 a year in heating and cooling costs. In newer homes, annual savings estimates are about $40. When adding insulation, MEWS says:

  • Start with the ceiling. Because most heat flows through the roof, make sure attics have at least 10 inches of blanket insulation or between 8 and 14 inches of loose-fill insulation.
  • Select insulation with enough resistance to heat flow, or R-Value, to control air loss. Recommendations are R-30 in the ceiling and R-11 in the outside walls. Under pier and beam floors, existing insulation of R-7 is adequate, but MEWS recommends an insulation value of R-19 when making improvements.
  • Install foam gaskets behind outlets and light switches. Air escaping through outlets and around light switches is equivalent to having a hole the size of a brick in the side of your house.

• Windows

  Close the Window on Wasted Energy by Controlling Air Loss

  Windows add natural light and ventilation, but they are big energy losers. However, who among us wants to live in a box with no light? To keep your electric bill down AND have a beautiful view:

  • Install double-paned windows. The more windows you have in your home, the more money you will save. MEWS estimates storm windows can reduce an average household's energy bill by $90 a year. Upgrade windows on the north and west first, if you can't replace them all.
  • Add solar screens or plastic-wrapped screens, awnings and drapes. These are good, inexpensive substitutes for storm windows. Foam shutters, multi-layered shades or curtains also reduce drafts.
  • Caulk cracks around windows and weatherstrip along the sides, top and bottom of the openings to tighten-up your home. Caulking does degrade over time and should be replaced periodically.
  • Install reflective solar film or adjustable solar shades on skylights. Skylights are windows, too. They provide light AND heat, which can make air conditioners work harder. In the summer, unshaded skylights can create hot spots in your home.

• Doors

  Don't Let Your Hard-Earned Energy Dollars Run Out The Door!

  Doors, like windows, are necessary, but can waste energy. To control air leaks and lower your electric bill:

  • Make sure doors fit snugly in the frame. Install a sweep or threshold to close gaps, and weatherstrip around the outside of exterior entry ways. To check for cracks, shine flashlight at night around outside doors. If you see light, you need to weather-strip.
  • Choose doors with a high insulating value. Metal doors with foam cores provide the most protection and glass doors the least.
  • Apply caulking around the outside of door frames where they join the exterior wall. MEWS estimates that caulking doors and windows in an average house can save about $32 a year in energy costs.

• Landscaping

  Plant the Seeds of Energy Savings by Choosing the Right Trees and Shrubs

  Properly placing trees and shrubs can lower your heating and cooling costs by up to 10%. To save that estimated $30 a year, follow these landscaping suggestions:

  • Plant tall deciduous trees, such as Red Oaks and ornamental pears, on the west and south sides of the house where they can shade windows from the summer sun. In the winter, when they lose their leaves, the trees allow sunlight to warm the home.
  • Position evergreen trees where they can block cold winds and cut down on winter heating costs.
  • Beware of utility lines, underground and overhead, when planting trees. Keep safety in mind. Also, don't plant trees that will grow to a large size near over headlines.

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  Water Wise Lawn Care

  If you live in a typical single-family home, up to half of your annual water use goes to lawn watering. Here are some suggestions for using less water while maintaining a healthy, attractive lawn:

  • Water the lawn only when it needs it. Observe the grass. If it looks a dull, gray-green color and footprints remain when you walk across it, then it's time to water. Following heavy rain, skip watering until the grass dries out again.
  • Water plants with different watering needs separately. Bluegrass lawns generally require between one and two inches of water per week, depending on the weather. Most shrubs and trees require less water than a bluegrass lawn, so water them separately.
  • Water no more frequently than every third day. This enables the grass to develop deeper roots and use moisture deep in the ground.
  • Water early in the morning if possible, or in the evening as a second choice. Most important, avoid the heat of the day and when it's windy.
  • Mow grass to a height of 2-1/2 to 3 inches and leave clippings where they fall to shade the roots and keep moisture in the grass longer.
  • Aerate your lawn at least once a year. This will help water penetrate into our typically clay soils.
  • Use low water use plants and grasses. A wide variety of low water-using plants are available that provide seasonal colors and textures to ensure year round beauty.

• Pools

  Stay in the Energy Conservation Swim with these Simple Steps

  Swimming pools can be enjoyable and attractive additions to today's homes. However, without careful energy management, they can be expensive to operate. To ensure you spend only what is necessary to maintain your pool:

  • Use a timer on pool pumps. When allowed to run continuously, a pool pump can add more than $20 a month to your electric bill. Use the pump only the number of hours necessary to keep the pool clean. During the cooler months, 4-5 hours of filtering should be sufficient. Increase running time with hot weather and more use.
  • Cover your pool. An unprotected, heated pool can easily use as much energy as it takes to heat an entire home. Covers also reduce evaporation, which can sap heat, chemicals and water from the pool.
  • Operate filtration systems on spas and hot tubs about 1 to 1 1/2 hours a day. This is enough time to clear away impurities without using an excessive amount of energy.

• Security Lighting

  Don't take Security Lightly.

  Outdoor lighting can both beautify and protect your home. Follow these MEWS guidelines to make the most effective and economical use of security lighting:

  • Add a time clock. Combine timers with dusk-to-dawn photocells to ensure lights are on only when it's dark.
  • Use light detection devices such as photocells. Photocells are suited to high-pressure sodium or metal halide fixtures that use small amounts of energy and perform well when left on for extended periods.
  • Install motion detectors that turn lights on only when needed.

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  Learn more about Mayfield Electric and Water Systems Security Lighting options by clicking the link below.

  Security Lighting

• Weather

  Weather the Heat and Cold with these Energy-Saving Tips

  In the Summer,

  • Set the thermostat at 78 degrees or higher. You pay extra for every degree below the recommended setting. Portable and ceiling fans cost pennies to operate and can help your home feel cooler at higher thermostat settings.
  • Turn the fan switch on central cooling systems and room units to automatic (auto) instead of continuous (on).
  • Provide exterior shading, such as awnings or solar screens, for windows exposed to direct sun.
  • Arrange furniture so lamps or other heat-producing appliances are not close to the thermostat.
  • Keep fresh air intake or exhaust vents on room air conditioners closed.

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  In the Winter,

  • Set the thermostat at 70 degrees or lower. Turning back the setting another five degrees when you plan to be away will conserve even more energy. If you will be gone for several days, set the thermostat to 50 to 60 degrees.
  • Turn the fan switch on central heating systems and room units to automatic (auto) instead of continuous (on).
  • Lower the thermostat setting at night and use an electric blanket.
  • Open the draperies or shades on the sunny side of the house to encourage solar heating. Otherwise keep window treatments closed to help keep heat in.
  • Consider using a humidifier during colder months to make the air feel warmer.