Electricity Usage Guidelines

Check your home's insulation in the walls, ceilings, attic, floors and crawl spaces to make sure it meets the recommended levels. This is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to reduce energy waste. Proper insulation will pay for itself by reducing heating and cooling costs. All insulating materials are not the same. Make sure the insulation you purchase will do the job you want it to. Consider the amount needed and its correct application. Use "R" values to compare insulation materials. The R-value refers to a material's resistance to heat flow, not thickness. The higher the insulation's R-value, the greater the insulating power. Recommended R-values in Missouri are: - Ceilings: R-38 - Exterior Walls: R-19 - Floors: R-19 - Basement Walls: R-13 Proper ventilation provides moisture control and reduces summer cooling bills. Attic vents ensure proper airflow. Do not block vents with insulation, and keep insulation at least three inches away from lighting fixtures or other heat-producing equipment unless it is marked "I.C." If you do add insulation to your home, always follow the product instructions and wear proper protective gear. There is a simple way to test your home for air tightness. On a windy day, light an incense stick and hold it carefully next to your windows, doors, duct work and electrical boxes. Here are ways to weatherize your home: - Caulk and weather strip doors and windows. - Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, wiring or duct work has penetrated exterior walls, floors and ceilings. - Install storm windows or replace single-pane windows with double-pane windows. - When not using your fireplace, keep the flue damper tightly closed. - Install rubber gaskets behind outlets and switch plates on exterior walls.

Heating and cooling your home uses more energy and drains more energy dollars than any other system in your home. It is estimated that 44 percent of your energy bill goes to heating and cooling. There are a variety of systems available to make your home comfortable. Whichever system you select it is essential to have the proper size and design for your home. There are additional steps that can keep your heating and cooling costs and energy usage lower. - Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter and as high as is comfortable in the summer. - Clean or replace filters on furnaces once a month or as needed. - Clean warm-air registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators as needed; make sure they aren't blocked by furniture, carpeting or drapes. - Place heat-resistant radiator reflectors between exterior walls and radiators. - Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans wisely; in just one hour, a fan can pull out a houseful of warmed or cooled air. - During the heating season, keep draperies and shades on the south-facing windows open during the day to allow sunlight to enter your home and closed at night to reduce the chill from cold windows. During the cooling season, keep the window coverings closed during the day.

Water heating accounts for about 14 percent of your utility bill making it the third largest energy expense in your home. There are several actions you can take to reduce your bill: use less hot water, turn down the thermostat on your water heater, insulate the water heater or buy a new, more efficient water heater, especially if yours is more than seven years old. Other tips include: - Repair leaky faucets right away. - Insulate your electric hot water storage tank and pipes, but do not cover the thermostat. - Insulate your gas or oil hot water storage tank and pipes, but do not cover the top, bottom, thermostat or burner compartment. - Encourage your family to shower instead of taking a bath. Baths use more water. - Install non aerating low-flow faucets and shower heads. - Use cold water to operate a food disposal. - Operate your dishwasher only when it is full.

Appliances use approximately 20 percent of a household's energy consumption. Refrigerators and clothes dryers account for most of the usage. When shopping for appliances, you should consider two costs. The first cost is the purchase price. The second is the cost of operating the appliance during its lifetime. All new appliances have an Energy Guide label attached to them which provides operating costs based on the national average. Use the Energy Guide to compare energy consumption and operating costs. There are several tips to save energy with your appliances. We've separated them into four categories: **Refrigerator/Freezer** - Select a model with automatic moisture control. - Recommended temperatures are 37 to 40°F and 5°F in the freezer. - Defrost a manual-defrost unit regularly. - Ensure door seals are airtight. - Cover liquids and wrap food. - Vacuum condenser coils yearly. **Laundry** - Wash in cold water. - Wash and dry full loads. - Avoid over-drying. - Clean lint filter after every load. - Inspect dryer vent periodically. **Dishwasher** - Follow manufacturer water temp recommendations. - Scrape food instead of rinsing. - Only run full loads. - Avoid rinse-hold for small loads. - Air dry dishes. **Kitchen** - Use gas ranges with electric ignition. - Keep burners and reflectors clean. - Use covered pans to boil water faster. - Use small appliances for small meals. - Use pressure cookers or microwaves to save energy.

Windows play many roles in a home. They add beauty and style, provide light and ventilation, but are often a major source of energy loss. If you have single-pane windows, replace them with double-pane or install storm windows. Limit glass area to 15% of total wall area. Window shopping tips: - Lower U-values mean better insulation. - Choose air leakage ratings of 0.3 CFM or less. **Warm Climates** - Use white drapes/shades. - Install awnings on south- and west-facing windows. - Apply reflective film on south-facing windows. **Cold Climates** - Repair/weatherize current windows. - Close curtains at night, open in day. - Use insulating window shades. - Keep south windows clean for solar gain.

One of the fastest ways to decrease your energy bill is to increase your home's lighting efficiency. Replace a fourth of your lights with fluorescents to save about half of lighting energy cost. **Indoor Tips** - Turn off unused lights. - Use three-way lamps. - Use compact fluorescents in table/floor lamps. - Use light-colored, loose-weave curtains. - Use efficient fluorescents in workrooms/garages. **Outdoor Tips** - Use photocell or timer-equipped lights. - Turn off decorative gas lamps at night.