It is that time of year when more lights and electricity are needed. It is also a good time to draw attention to bad habits that have been sneaking up on us so innocently.
December in general is a good month to concentrate on the abilities to search out energy wasted and hazardous acts of everyday living.
A clipboard in a handy spot will do if the energy seekers see a problem with it. A reward is acceptable.
Probably the least obvious is not unplugging appliances that are not being used, such as the radio. Even that toaster or George Forman grill can steal electricity.
Lights left on in unused places is an easy one; easy to forget, but easy to see. Using light bulbs that use less electricity counts, smaller bulbs, or better yet, the compact florescent bulbs or LED bulbs can really help save money on the light bill.
Cold air leaks around doors, windows and plug in outlets count can really make that light bill soar too. Shades and heavier or lined curtains or drapes, especially at night, will keep the temperature more even.
Water drips and gas leaks are not only annoying, but dangerous. Candles are beautiful but should be well attended and only used with caution. Choosing soot free candles protects the quality of the air as does burning the right kind of wood in fireplaces.
Have the kids make a list of outside interests that could use a little less light, such as car lots and large business establishments. Are all those lights really that necessary?
During an energy crunch a few years ago, we shut off a few lights, used smaller, more efficient bulbs and fixtures, and it was not such a big deal. So the lights weren't as bright, but saving energy and its cost was a common sense thing and our ancestors would say the same.
The only appliances that use electricity while not being used are those with clock-like-displays or "instant on" things like the TV. Even clock displays don't use a penny a year; think how long your electronic watch lasts on just a tiny battery.
Appliances that use heating elements, such as your toaster, grills, dryers etc. don't use electricity when they are not on any more. Those appliances are either "off" or "on".
Somewhere I'd heard that no matter how good an appliance is working, after 10 years it is costing you money because new appliances are more efficient. The young man at Sorenson’s filled me in on some details and it is true.
A refrigerator 10 years old will cost $200 a year as opposed to a refrigerator of today that will do more for less, like $40 for $60. A ten-year-old dishwasher will cost $45 to $75 a year while today's models will do the job for $10.
Most TV's are "instant on" (remember when TVs took a while to warm up?), so they are always "on" anyway, except for the picture. A way to substantially cut TV electric usage is to buy a flat screen LED or plasma unit instead of the old "picture tube" television.
LED televisions use a fraction of the electricity. Televisions would cost $50 instead of $75 while today’s model will cost $5 to $15 for an estimated 10 hours of use a day.
Freezers are a big thing, with that 10-year-old model doing the job for $200 to $250 but a new model today will work for $25 to $40.
Washers have really changed from the older models that cost more to run. Today’s model would cost only $9 to $20 as opposed to the earlier models that cost $50 to $75.
People also need to look at the amount of water that the older models of washers used as well. Half as much water is used as opposed to the earlier models and that amount of water will do the same or better job of caring for your washing needs.
If you run your television all day, a habit we acquire because we listen and not always watch it, will run you a great deal less.
Appliances only use energy when plugged in and if you are appliance shopping, "energy stars" not only give you a rating or efficiency but may give a rebate of $100 if you make a change. So, though we have an inclination to use these machines that are still in good working order, it probably isn't a good idea because we are "paying through the pump," so to speak. In the long run, buying a new model will save you money.
Need to check it out? Your electrical provider will loan you a device that will check how much electricity you are using with any particular appliance you want to check out.
Usually there is a refundable deposit or fee that makes the check up free when you return it. A good way to check if that old reliable refrigerator you keep in the garage for "overflow" is worth the energy it uses.
Now is the time to start thinking about some things that you would like to change in your life that may also save you money! New Year’s resolutions don't always have to be about losing weight.
Birthdays and Anniversaries:
• Thursday, December 27th: Sue Bailey Billbray, Colette Hemingway Moudy, Mikkel Iverson, Jamie Hagen, Scott Christensen, Carly Titus, Stacy Osmundson Titus, Ron Peterson, Shannon Peterson Pederson, Brad Bothum, Joe Anderson.
• Friday, December 28th: Hope Mikesell, Chad Toft, Dorothy Brandt, Tyler Titus, Charlie Marlin, Merrill Bunn, Laura & John Ortiz, Neil & Ellen Pence, Erin & John Christensen.
• Saturday, December 29th: Maxx Greyson Richards, Maya Grace Richards, Gary Hunnicutt, Seth David Petranek, Brent Born, Craig Haberman, Darlene Underland, Benjamin Paulson, Whitey & La June Hagen, Amy & Joe Louks.
• Sunday, December 30th: Anita Casterton, Matt Christensen, Ryan Schrodt, Jane Simon, Lucille Goodnature, Jim Dobberstein, Gladys Peterson, Mark & Gail Skroch, David & Arianna Arends, Kyile & Rachel Aase.
• Monday, December 31st: New Years Eve! Bailey Joy Ihrke, Bree Olivia Ihrke, Larry Paulsen, Dean Pospesel, Lynne Flor, Brent Wiersma, Brent Worrell, Isabelle Wayne, Dorothy & Adrian Kilian, Greg & Cindy Oswald, Larry & Elaine Howell.
• Tuesday, January 1st: Happy New Year! Ross Aronson, Elmer Dobberstein, Jerry Seath, Larry Schwartz, Amanda Beach, Lois & Duane Aitchison.
• Wednesday, January 2nd: Grace Jolie Wangen, Brian Bedney, Jay Crabtree, Mark Dobberstein, David Lageson, Brenda Wayne, Aaron Nelson, John & Lorraine Lent, Kelsey (Wayne) & Matt Duncomb.
With each passing year, grow stronger, grow wiser, and richer in spirit. May the year ahead be filled with new discoveries!
