Full Text
Energy Saving Tips for Work and Home: Over the past years, the Douglas County Energy Committee has assisted with several large energy savings projects and continues to seek options for energy savings for county owned facilities/property. Several projects which have been completed over the past few years include: • Government Center exterior/parking lot LED lighting enhancements • Courthouse exterior LED lighting upgrades • Several interior LED lighting projects within the Government Center and Courthouse which include LED lighting retrofits and installation of occupancy sensors • Low wattage space heaters with occupancy sensors • Highway Department exterior LED lighting installation for all garages • Implementation of the Ride Share Program • Purchasing of Energy Star appliances and equipment Below is some energy saving tips which you can use within your own home and assist us in achieving our goals of becoming more energy efficient within the workplace. If you have other work related energy enhancement ideas or concerns please contact the Energy Committee Chair Dave Sletten [EMAIL REDACTED] or [PHONE REDACTED] Purchase ENERGY STAR® Certified Appliances Older appliances — even those made in the 1990s and early 2000s — can use significantly more energy than today's ENERGY STAR® models. When it's time to purchase a new appliance, look for the ENERGY STAR label and use their most efficient settings. Also, be sure to keep them well maintained. Run the Fan: Use Ceiling fans to circulate the air in the room. Move air up during the winter, and down during the summer to stay more comfortable. Remember, fans cool people, not rooms. Turn them off when you are away. ---PAGE BREAK--- Other Ways to Save: • Install a programmable thermostat. In the winter, lower the temperature when you are typically at work or asleep. • Change or Clean filters in heating and cooling equipment. During peak use, change or clean • Close shades during summer days to keep rooms cool. In winter, keep shades open to take advantage of the sun’s heat. • Perform basic weatherization by making sure doors and windows close properly and seal • Clean underneath and behind refrigerators regularly and remove dryer lint from dryers before each use. Lighting: Turn Lights off when not needed. Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs) or Light-Emitting Diodes (LEDs). Many local retails now offer instant discounts from Focus on Energy, thus no rebates needed!