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Energy Adviser, Feb. 4: Renters can save energy, too

The Columbian
Published: February 4, 2010, 12:00am

I’d like to use less energy to save money, but I rent. What can I do that won’t cost a lot?

There are a surprising number of things renters can do, says Bob West, an energy counselor with Clark Public Utilities. “Changing your habits, for one, is easy.”

Save on heating

West suggests you start by turning down the heat. “Space heating is the biggest energy user. For every degree you lower the thermostat over an eight-hour period, you’ll cut 1 to 2 percent off your heating bill,” he said. “Lower it even more when you’re asleep or away from home for more than a few hours.”

If you have zonal heat, turn the thermostat to low in empty rooms and close the door. “With zonal systems check the thermostats,” West said. “We’ve found them off by as much as 10 degrees.”

West advises taping an accurate thermometer beside the heating thermostat and comparing the readings. “If it is inaccurate, you can adjust the temperature setting accordingly, or consider replacement.”

Ensure that you haven’t blocked heat registers and baseboard units with furniture or drapes. And, it’s a good idea to ask your landlord to change furnace filters at least a couple times a heating season or have him or her show you how to do it.

Keep the heat in

It’s also a good idea to have inexpensive weather-stripping installed around doors to stop air leaks. Even a rolled-up rug across the base of the door can help. Ask for permission to caulk around window frames outside. Use foam insulation to seal holes where air enters, such as around plumbing pipes under the sink. Do not squirt too much foam into the holes since it expands after application.

“Single-pane windows and patio doors cause you to lose heat,” West said. “We recommend installing plastic window insulation kits. They’re inexpensive and easy to install. At least close the drapes at night and on very cold days.”

Change habits

A few changes in your routine can also help increase energy savings.

Here are a few to consider:

• Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs that use one-fourth the amount of electricity as incandescent bulbs and turn off lights when leaving a room.

• Turn off electronics such as TVs, computers and printers when not in use.

• Set the refrigerator to no colder than 37 degrees and freezers to zero.

• Unplug chargers for cell phones, laptops and other devices once they are charged.

• Take five-minute showers instead of baths. Have leaky faucets repaired or you’ll be wasting water and the energy to heat it.

If you’re on a limited income, you may qualify for weatherization through a joint program of Clark Public Utilities and Clark County. The program covers owner-occupied and rental houses. Call Clark County at 360-397-2130 or the utility at 360-992-3000 for information.

The Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities energy counselors, who provide conservation and energy use information to utility customers. Send questions to energyadviser@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, in care of Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA. 98668. A panel of local energy efficiency and energy product experts will review your questions. Past topics are available at www.clarkpublicutilities.com.

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