<h2> Back to Basics: Winter Energy Guide </h2>

Now we have never been described as “simple and practical” people, after all, we did grow up in the sequin-and-rhinestone 80’s era. From Hummer cars to Viking Ranges, our generation has been spoon-fed a “big and bold” lifestyle. But, as we learned from Audrey and the little black dress, sometimes minimalist chic is way better than big perms and shoulder pads. Sometimes simple and practical isn’t boring—it’s just plain better.

Below are basic tips to maximize the energy of your home appliances this winter. They are neither groundbreaking nor sexy, but we thought a reminder was due…

Basic Home Energy Efficiency Tips

• Are you one of those people who turn up the heat in your house so that you can comfortably lounge around in your tank top? Well, start layering and stop turning up your heat! In the winter, turn your thermostat down to 68 degrees or below (or as cool as you can stand). Reduce the setting to 55 degrees before going to sleep or when leaving for the day. (For each 1 degree you turn down the thermostat in the winter, you'll save up to 5% on your heating costs.)
• Turn off non-essential lights and appliances. The electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars!
• Avoid running large appliances such as washers, dryers, and electric ovens during peak energy demand hours from 5:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.
• Use kitchen, bath, and other ventilating fans wisely. In 1 hour, these fans can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air.
• Keep the draperies and shades on your south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
  

Fireplace Energy Saving Tips

• If you never use your fireplace, plug and seal the chimney flue.
• Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going. Keeping the damper open is like keeping a 48-inch window wide open during the winter; it allows warm air to go right up the chimney.
  

Kitchen Energy Saving Tips

• Be sure to place the faucet lever on the kitchen sink in the cold position when using small amounts of water. Placing the lever in the hot position uses energy to heat the water even though it never reaches the faucet.
• Try using the microwave or toaster ovens for small meals rather than your large stove or oven. A toaster oven uses a third to half as much energy as a full-sized oven, and they both can save energy by significantly reducing cooking time.

Laundry Energy Saving Tips

• As the note read on the communal clothes dryer in Lydia's sorority house: "Future Mothers of America, you have to clean the lint filter in between each cycle of the dryer." If you do, it improves air circulation.
• Wash your clothes in cold water using cold-water detergents whenever possible as it requires less energy.
• If you’re like Jess and you wait until every last item in your closet has been worn before doing laundry then this should be an easy one. Wash and dry full loads only. (But if you really need those jeans for tomorrow night, and have to wash a small load, use the appropriate water-level setting.)
• Don't over-dry your clothes. If your machine has a moisture sensor, use it or use the cool-down cycle to allow the clothes to finish drying with the residual heat in the dryer.
• If you live in an apartment building with a communal washing machine area, why not print out these Laundry Room tips and hang them up in there for everyone to see?
  

Switch to Green Power

In Los Angeles County, the Department of Water and Power offers a “Green Power” option. Green Power is electricity produced in a more environmentally friendly way by using renewable energy sources like the sun, wind, and water. It’s just as powerful and reliable as your “normal” electricity, and it’s only $3.00 extra per month. All you have to do is call (1.800.dial.dwp) and request Green Power. You can also sign up for Green Power Online.

The best part about signing up for Green Power is that you actually help bring MORE renewable power to LA - electricity that is cleaner than fossil fuels and nuclear energy. SoCal Edison (if you have them) offers their version of Green Power to some customers so see if you can get it (1-800-655-4555). Their site also has a link to help their customers energy audit their home energy use. After you fill it out, they’ll give you suggestions of how to be more efficient. If you don’t live in LA call and see if your area offers green energy—if not, ask when it will be provided.

Sometimes it’s the simple things in life that make you feel good. So tonight, go turn down the thermostat and cuddle up with a cozy blanket, a nice book, some warm cocoa and candles.

For more information, also check out: www.earth911.org