Energy Saving Ideas.

CoServ is local utility co-op that serves much of Denton county including Frisco and western McKinney. Most co-ops in Texas handle rural areas and while their service is first class, city quality, their spirit and communication feels familiar and rural. I enjoy their magazine and email tips. Here is the most recent.

Save energy dollars with Daylight Savings Time. Released 09-27-2008

The 2008 summer was a scorcher for North Texas, andCoServ members endured record high temperatures. This extreme heat created record power demand, and Texans were urged by ERCOT and the Public Utility Commission to reduce their electricity consumption between the hours of 3 and 7 p.m. to prevent the need for rolling brownouts. Even as the season changes and we “fall” back into Daylight Savings Time, CoServ’s demand continues to “peak” in the afternoon and early evening. Here are some tips to reduce your consumption during these hours:

• THROW A LOAD OF LAUNDRY IN THE WASHER JUST BEFORE BED TIME. Then put the load in the dryer first thing in the morning. Line dry towels, sheets, and other items that won’t wrinkle.
• CHECK THE DIAL ON YOUR DISHWASHER AND USE THE DELAY OPTION.Running it closer to bed time will reduce demand during peak consumption times. Using the air dry setting will reduce electricity usage.
• UNPLUG YOUR COFFEEMAKER WHILE POURING THAT LAST CUP. Ten percent of American households unplugging coffeemakers each day equates to an approximate savings of $40 million in electricity charges.
• REDUCE YOUR WATER HEATER SETTING TO 120 DEGREES. Install a timer on your electric water heater to consume less energy. Refer to the Department of Energy Web site for details at www.energy.gov.
• UNPLUG THE CHARGER TO YOUR TOOTHBRUSH. Most models need only a few hours to charge up for a week or more of use.

They have a long list of other helpful (and easy to do) tips on their Residential Convservation page. If high utility bills are making you crazy even when taking advantage of helpful tips like these, maybe it's time to upgrade into a new energy efficient home. Call me and let's talk about a move that can save you money.