Jan. 19, 2001--
Utah may not have quite the energy crisis California has.
Still, energy experts say it's never too early to start conserving power at home.
And there's a lot each of us can do.
News Specialist John Daley has a few tips.
John?
Remember the energy crisis of the '70s?
That inspired all kinds of new ways to save power, like using compact fluorescent bulbs rather than the traditional kind.
With more power problems looming, there are a number of things you can do to make your home more efficient.
And the folks at Utah's Office of Energy Services are happy to pass along some free advice.
According to Gina Fleischer, there's plenty you can do at home to help.
Gina Fleischer/Utah Office of Energy Services: "THAT'S A VERY REAL PROBLEM, THIS ENERGY CRISIS THAT WE'RE HAVING."
As energy information specialist, Fleischer is leading by example, converting her house over the last three years to make it as energy efficient as possble.
She's installed new windows--a major plus when it comes to keeping the house warm in the winter--cool in summer.
Also, a programmable thermostat to help control the temperature, both of heat and air conditioning.
Vent deflectors to force warm air from the furnace to the center of the room.
And compact fluorescent light bulbs--more expensive--but much more effiencient that the garden-variety incandescent kind.
Gina Fleischer/Office of Energy Services: "I'LL PROBABLY HAVE TO REPLACE THIS MAYBE IN SEVEN TO TEN YEARS, SO IT'LL PAY FOR ITSELF MANY TIMES OVER. THAT'S A LONG TIME AND IT'LL PAY FOR ITSELF MANY, MANY TIMES OVER."
Also consider the way you use your appliances.
Preparing meals by microwave rather than stove, keeping the freezer and fridge full, and doing consecutive loads of laundry to take advantage of residual heat in the dryer.
All these things save electricty, save you money, and help the power crunch.
Being energy conscious, Fleischer estimates she and her family have cut their utility bills by 25% to 30%.
Gina Fleischer/Office of Energy Services: "IF EVERYONE IN THE STATE OF UTAH CAN DO THEIR PART JUST A LITTLE BIT TO HELP CONSERVE AND BE A BIT MORE ENERGY EFFICIENT, IT CAN MAKE A HUGE IMPACT."
Two great places you can get more information about this.
There's this "Bright Ideas" handbook that's put out by Utah Power. It has all kinds of tips.
To get one call 1-888-221-7070.
Also for more information about how you can conserve power at home, call the state Office of Energy Services at 1-800-662-3633.
