Conscious Choice: Lower Your Energy Costs This Winter

November 2007 | From the Commish

Lower Your Energy Costs This Winter

By Sadhu A. Johnston

Energy costs have placed a heavy burden on Chicagoans across the board. The past year has seen higher than average gasoline prices along with increased electric rates. In anticipation of rising natural gas prices, the City is encouraging everyone to not only seek the financial resources that are available such as LIHEAP (Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program), but also practice energy conservation techniques to reduce costs while staying warm. Financial resources are going to be critical for many families this winter, but we absolutely believe that making homes more energy efficient is the best tool to ensure that everyone experiences a safe and warm winter.

There are plenty of simple and cost-effective steps we can all take to reduce our energy costs this winter. There are no tricks or gimmicks when it comes to potentially saving 30 percent on your energy bills: 1.) install a programmable thermostat; 2.) regularly change filters and service your heating system and appliances; 3.) seal all the cracks to keep the cold air out; 4.) insulate your home; and 5.) use heat wisely.

• Programmable Thermostats. These devices are easy to install, cost less than $50 and allow you to pre-set changes in the temperature of your home. Turn the heat down when sleeping and when you’re out for extended periods of time. For every one degree that you decrease the thermostat, you will save one percent on your bill.

• Appliances. We generally take our appliances for granted until they break down. A little care and preventative maintenance can go a long way in improving their efficiency. Change air filters regularly (every month or two), and have your furnace or boiler checked by a certified professional prior to the heating season. Repair and insulate duct work (particularly if it is in an unfinished/unheated space), and insulate water heaters if older than early ’90s (if newer than early ’90s, then pre-existing insulation is adequate).

• Keep the Cold Air Out. Try putting your hand close to a light switch on the exterior wall of your home or apartment. You may notice that there’s a lot of cold air coming in. Use these simple steps to keep the cold air out: Weatherstrip doors and windows on the exterior walls; use plastic to insulate windows; seal holes to the exterior with foam spray or insulation (i.e. where pipes or wires enter your building); and insulate outlet plates and light switch plates on exterior walls.

• Insulate. While many people think about wall insulation, attic insulation can have an even greater impact for energy saving. Lot’s of homes don’t have any attic insulation — it’s generally pretty easy to get blow-in insulation into the attic and sidewalls. There are also some interesting new types of foam insulation that can have a payback of several years. Make sure insulation has a high “thermal value” — for walls go for at least R 19, and for attics go for at least R 32.

• Use Heat Wisely. Do not turn your heat off to save money — it’s bad for your home and also not cost effective. You actually use more energy to “re-heat” your home rather than keeping home at a constant cooler temp when you’re not home.

To help residents take these steps, Mayor Daley is sponsoring the City’s annual Winter Preparedness Fairs at locations throughout the City beginning November 1 through January 19 to help residents prepare for a safe and warm winter season. Chicagoans attending the fairs will get a free weatherization kit. The kits include weather stripping, plastic window insulation, switch-plate and outlet insulation and even compact flourescent light bulbs which add to the 500,000 plus bulbs the City has given out since Spring.

Last winter we were able to help more than 22,000 families through the fairs. In addition to various city and state agencies in attendance, there will be numerous non-profit service providers and energy utility representatives at the fairs to address a variety of winter based needs. For a full listing of fair locations and times please visit cityofchicago.org or call 311.

Sadhu Johnston is Mayor Daley’s Deputy Chief of Staff functioning as Chief Environmental Officer for the City of Chicago.

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