By Linda Jerkins

For the Journal-Constitution

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Save the planet and save money with these 10 steps and more:

1. HIT THE LIGHTS
Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) which use up to 75 percent less energy and can last up to 10 times longer life. Cost:$2-$15 each.

2. IN HOT WATER
Lower the temperature on the water heater front dial from 135+ to 120 degrees. Cost: $zero.

3. UNPLUGGED
Unplug appliances and gadgets, some with “on/off” lights that are not used all day like coffee maker and iPod speakers and others with out on lights like cell phone charger’s. Phantom or idle current can account for up to 2% of energy bills. Cost: $zero.

4. WINDOW SHOPPING
Install storm windows or double pane windows over older single pane windows. Cost: $zero if you kept the older panes, $300-$400 per window for new energy-savings double or triple-pane windows.

5. DRAFT DODGERS
Weather strip around windows and outside doors. Add door sweeps to limit air losses and pests. Seal open penetrations and gaps around plumbing under sinks and at basement inside exits with expanding foam or caulk. Cost: $3 for 17 foot roll of cut, peel and stick weather seal tape, $15 for sweeps, $2 tube of silicone caulk, $5 caulk gun, $5 for can of Great Stuff foam sealant.

6. GET WITH THE PROGRAM
Set the thermostat at 78 degrees during the summer and 68 degrees during the winter, and leave it there. Cost: New programmable thermostats cost $20-$80 and allow adjustments when you are away or sleeping and can save up to 10% on energy bills.

7. UNDER COVER
Add foam covers behind electrical outlets and light switches that face outside walls. Cost: $2-$3 for package of 14.

8. IT’S NOT THE HEAT, IT’S THE …
Replace the 12+ year old, energy-sucking portable dehumidifier in the basement with an Energy Star model. Cost: $129-$200 Old dehumidifier’s can consume more than $30 a month in energy.

9. NOT SO FAN-TASTIC
Seal and winterize the ceiling whole house fan to prevent air loss and pests from the attic, or remove and patch ceiling if not used. While a whole house fan saves A/C power in the gentle spring and fall weather, it should be disconnected from power and winterized each year to prevent heat loss. A foam cover/lid can be made for the fan and attic access ladder stopping air loss. Cost: $8 for foam board, $4 for glue.

10. THE BRUSH CUT
Prune overgrown shrubs crowding outside air-conditioning units. Cost: $zero-and sweat. Air needs to circulate around the fans for it to operate efficiently.

WHERE THE MONEY GOES: (from Georgia Power and U.S. Department of Energy)
Heating and cooling: 45-52%
Water heater: 19%
Lighting: 9%
Other: 20%

For Georgia Power customers - check your energy efficiency with an in-home energy audit 1-800-524-2421 and press 2 or www.georgiapower.com/residential/energy.asp. Or do an online audits and calculate energy costs www.georgiapower.com

Other resources:
Home energy saver by zip code http://lbl.gov
www.energystar.gov
www.eere.energy.gov