Green Tip of the Day – Visit TVA’s EnergyRight.com

The Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA), a  public power company that generates electricity across  seven states in the Southeast, has developed a comprehensive website to assist customers on their rising energy costs.

Their website, Energy Right, asks its readers to perform a “do it yourself” energy evaluation at EnergyRight.com

Once the evaluation is conducted, the customer can explore a wide variety of energy efficiency solutions ranging from installing efficient water pumps to replacing inefficient lighting.

To get started right away – TVA has provided the following list of energy efficiency activities (a checklist) you can begin today without an evaluation.

• Seal gaps in floors and walls around pipes and electrical wiring
• Change air filters monthly
• Replace incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents – they use 75% less energy and last 10 times longer
• Install aerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads
• Fix any leaky faucets – one drop per second can add up to 165 gallons a month
• Tune-up your heating and cooling system annually to keep it running as efficiently as possible
• Have your ductwork inspected and repair any leaks
• Add insulation to your attic, crawl space and any accessible exterior walls
• Wrap your water heater with insulation or install an insulating blanket
• Look for the ENERGY STAR® label when replacing large or small appliances
• Use power strips for home electronics and turn off power strips when equipment is not in use
• Replace worn-out seals on your refrigerator and freezer
• Perform a do-it-yourself home energy audit. Online and paper versions are available.
• Reduce hot water use by taking shorter showers and using cold water for the rinse cycle in your washer
• Turn off lights, televisions and other appliances when not in use
• Clean refrigerator coils regularly to keep compressor running efficiently
• Set the refrigerator temperature at 36° to 39° F and freezer at 0° to 5° F
• Use the microwave when possible – it cooks faster and doesn’t create as much heat as a stove burner
• Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher’s heat drying option
• Run your dishwasher and clothes washer only when full
• Match the size of your pot or pan to the size of the burner
• Make sure your dryer’s outside vent is clear and clean the lint filter after every load
• Keep all windows and doors located near your thermostat closed tightly
• Keep heat sources such as lamps and appliances away from your thermostat
• Consider replacing your older model refrigerator, especially if it’s over 10 years old, with an ENERGY STAR refrigerator
• Install foam gaskets behind electric-outlet and switch-plate covers
• Dry one load of clothes immediately after another to minimize heat loss
• Defrost frozen food in the refrigerator before cooking
• Use the oven light to check on progress when cooking or baking
• Keep your outside air unit clean and clear of debris or weeds
• Use low-watt bulbs where lighting is not critical
• Place floor lamps and hanging lamps in corners. The reflection off the walls will give you more light
• Turn off outdoor lighting during the day. Try timer switches or photoelectric controls if the finger method is a bother
• Keep your freezer full. The fuller the freezer, the less cold air you lose when opening the door
• Use the self-cleaning cycle of your oven right after you finish baking. That will give it a head start in heating up
• Hang on to appliance manuals so you can refer to them for care information and possible energy-saving tips

Photo by Brian Stansberry via Wikimedia Commons