Energy Moment

It's Utne Mag again! Just can't help offering these ideas for anyone who wants to have a better world out there. This one is about getting off the energy grid. These are 'baby steps' toward turning to renewable sources.

1. Insulate - The cost of insulating will be offset by the savings in fuel bills.

2. Get a sun shield in your attic - This is a radiant barrier in your attic and will improve your airconditioning efficiency up to 12%. These barriers are under $100 and need only a scissors and staple gun to install.

3. Wrap your water heater - Utne says this could save you up to 9% in water heating costs.

4. Hang curtains with a valance - Curtains help, but a valance prevents convection currents which suck air up between curtain and window when the air cools down.

5. Take your temperature - Get a programmable thermostat so you have the right temps day and night. And there is a new device called a Kill-A-Watt which you hook up to any appliance to see how much energy you are using.

6. Illumination - Switch to compact fluourescent bulbs for a savings of up to 75% and the bulbs will last as much as 10 times longer.

More tomorrow!