Electricity In Your Home

Switch your most frequently used bulbs to Compact Fluorescent bulbs now. Then change the rest of your bulbs as they burn out. You will eliminate 434 lbs. of carbon dioxide emissions every year and save $95.04 on your annual energy bill.

How do I do this?

The jury is still out on whether it is more energy efficient to throw out all your incandescent bulbs now and replace them with compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) or wait until they burn out one-by-one. We recommend that you take action and replace the bulbs you use most often (more than a couple hours a day) with compact fluorescent bulbs now and stock up on CFLs to make sure that when the rest of your incandescent bulbs die you don’t forget to use a CFL replacement.

With the help of instant rebate coupons CFLs aren’t any more expensive than incandescent bulbs. They also come in a variety of shapes and sizes to fit most fixtures. CFLs can even work with dimmers and 3-way lamps.

A note on disposal:
When your CFLs eventually burn out, it is important that you recycle them. They contain very small amounts of mercury that can contaminate the soil and water if thrown in the trash. CFLs can be taken to:

Disposal of Toxics Facility
3505 Airport Drive, Bellingham
360.380.4640

Puget Sound Energy
1329 N. State St., Bellingham
800-562-1482
Place your used bulbs in the labeled containers during normal business hours.

Home Depot
420 Telegraph Rd., Bellingham
360-715-0090

Be careful with these bulbs and if you break one, here are the EPA’s recommendations, just to be safe:

Briefly, EPA recommends that 1. you immediately open windows to reduce mercury concentrations inside your home; 2. you do not touch the spilled mercury; 3. you clean up the broken CFL glass carefully and immediately (but not with your hands or a vacuum cleaner), and 4. you wipe the affected area with a paper towel to remove all glass fragments and mercury. EPA further recommends that you place the paper towel and glass fragments in a sealed plastic bag and bring the sealed bag to your local Household Hazardous Waste (HHW) Collection Site.

When compared to the uncontrolled pollution (including mercury) from electricity production, the energy savings of CFLs, and the fact that the mercury is controllable through recycling, more than offsets the fact that mercury is used in these bulbs (see below). Click here for more myths and facts about CFLs.

CFLs actually result in less mercury emissions over their 5-year lifespan when electricity comes from coal fired power plants. Source: US EPA June 2002

Why should I do this?

Due to our long, grey, Northwest winters we use almost twice as much energy to light our homes as the rest of the country(1),(2)! Replacing your standard incandescent bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Light bulbs (CFLs) is one of the quickest and easiest ways to conserve energy. CFLs work just like your regular bulbs, only they use about 75% less energy than standard bulbs and last up to 10 times longer(3). They provide the same amount of light while consuming less energy.

Right On Bellingham!
Bellingham is one of the top CFL purchasers in the country. We have already prevented nearly 60 million pounds of carbon dioxide emissions, the equivalent of taking about 1000 cars off the road!

Still not convinced?  This should help put your CFL worries out of sight. Here are just a few myths about CFLs:

Myth #1 - CFLs are worse for the environment because they contain mercury.
CFLs do contain small amounts of mercury and it is actually illegal to throw them away as mass quantities could pollute the land and water around landfills. However, CFLs can (and indeed must) be recycled. Also when compared to the uncontrolled mercury pollution from electricity generated by coal, the energy savings more than offsets the mercury content (see graph below).

Source: US EPA June 2002

Myth #2 - CFLs take a long time to light.
It is true that CFLs can take from 1 to 5 minutes to come to full illumination upon turning them on. ENERGY STAR® qualified CFLs must start within one second and reach 80% illumination within 3 minutes. Remember, these are minimum requirements and many CFLs are much faster than this.

Myth #3 - CFLs aren't as bright as incandescent bulbs.
CFLs produce more light per watt of energy consumed than incandescent bulbs. That's why they are described as energy efficient. Check out the table to see what CFLs you should use to replace your incandescent bulbs.

Myth #4 - CFLs emit a cold, bluish light.
The typical incandescent bulb casts a yellowish light and is perceived as "warm." Old-fashioned, linear fluorescent tubes cast more of a bluish light which are seen as "cold" or "harsh." Today’s CFLs emit light that is "warm" or "soft," similar to that of incandescent bulbs.

Myth #5 - They don't make CFLs in the type of bulb that I need.
The bulb selection seems to get better daily. CFLs exist for all kinds of applications such as chandeliers, bulbs above bathroom mirrors, in wall sconces, table lamps and some outdoor uses. Some CFLs can even be installed in circuits with dimmers and three-way sockets.

Myth #6 - CFLs cost too much.
CFLs cost much less to own and operate than incandescent bulbs. They use 3 to 4 times less electricity, and they last 6 to 10 times longer. Result: fewer bulb changes. Rebates are available through PSE to bring the cost down even further.

Myth #7 - They flicker.
CFLs with electronic ballasts (now almost all of them) do not flicker. You’ll find that light from most CFLs is so similar to regular light bulbs that most people won’t even notice that you’ve changed to CFLs until you point it out to them. You can compare the light output of CFLs to find which ones most closely resemble incandescent bulbs.

Start buying some, all, or more of your electricity from renewable sources and prevent 3,119 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year. It’s easy to say yes to green power, just check the box on your next power bill and sign your household up.

How do I do this?

Green Power is electricity generated from renewable and clean sources. These sources can include wind, solar, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen and wave or tidal action. Electricity generated from Green Power sources is non-polluting and essentially limitless.

Fortunately, there are already programs set up in the Northwest in which you can easily participate. The largest program is through Puget Sound Energy (PSE) who provides electricity to much of our region. Their program has been ranked by the National Renewable Energy Laboratory as one of the Top 10 Green Power Programs in the nation! You can support the generation and development of renewable energy in the Northwest for as little as $4 per month. Or you can purchase 100 percent of your energy from renewable resources for just $0.0125 per kWh (typically about $10 per month.) All you have to do is sign up and you can do your part to encourage the use and development of clean, renewable energy.

Not a PSE customer? Click here to see a list of other Green Power providers in Washington State or call your electricity provider to find out if they have a program. If they don’t, ask them why not and demand that they start.

If you have already made the switch, consider buying even more than what you consume from renewable sources. You can buy additional green power blocks of 160 kWh for $2 each. This may sound confusing but you would essentially be paying for green power to be produced and put into the grid in place of electricity generated from fossil fuels. This means that additional households are using renewable energy whether they know it or not!

Why should I do this?

Buying green power supports the development of electricity from renewable resources. Traditionally electricity is generated by burning coal or natural gas or through the use of hydroelectric dams. Burning stored energy (fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas) produces 98% of the carbon dioxide emissions in the United States(1). Stored energy is also not a sustainable energy source since we are consuming it much faster than the earth can create it. Coal must be mined and transported to a plant where it is then burned to create steam that spins a turbine and produces electricity. Burning a ton of coal produces approximately two tons of carbon dioxide. The heavy equipment needed to extract and transport coal runs on diesel and also produces large quantities of carbon dioxide. Burning coal also produces harmful air pollutants such as mercury, sulfur-dioxide and nitrogen oxides to name a few.

Natural gas produces electricity in a similar way to coal. It must be piped out of the ground through extensive drilling and also produces carbon dioxide when burned. Hydroelectric dams do not produce carbon dioxide but require rivers to be disrupted and entire valleys to be flooded which creates a whole new set of problems for the species that inhabit these ecosystems.

Green power is produced using active energy rather than stored energy. Active energy does not have to be extracted like coal or natural gas and is essentially limitless. It takes the earth thousands of years to produce coal and natural gas which means we will eventually run out. Wind turbines, solar panels and other green power sources use earth’s natural systems to create electricity. These systems are constantly creating energy which makes them essentially limitless.

Buying green power is easiest way to make a huge reduction in your contribution to global warming. By purchasing your energy from renewable sources you alone can eliminate 1.4 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year!  Buying renewable energy also makes a statement to energy providers and public officials. Puget Sound Energy was able to drop their prices for green power by 40 percent as a result of Bellingham’s Green Power Challenge. We all know that businesses respond to customers and the more we demand renewable energy the more options we will have to get it. This results in cheaper, more efficient and more widespread renewable energy options which we have already begun to see.

Right-on Bellingham!
Northwest Washington is already ahead of the game when it comes to Green Power. On April 21, 2007 Bellingham, WA became one of only seven cities in the nation to be recognized by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Green Power Community. They were the first in Washington State. Bellingham is currently purchasing 11 percent of their power from renewable sources. This is due in large part to the fact that the City of Bellingham and Whatcom County Governments and Western Washington University purchase 100 percent Green Power for their facilities. However residential households also make up a portion of Green Power purchases and the numbers are growing every day.

When you do use the dryer, avoid leaving clothes in longer than necessary. Running your dryer for 10 minutes less could drop your household energy consumption a full percent. Carbon dioxide savings: around 30 lbs per year.

How do I do this?

All it takes is one test load. Simply put your clothes in and keep checking them every ten minutes or so until they are dry, then you’ll know for next time. Use the “moisture sensing” feature on your dryer (rather than “timed dry”) if available or set the temperature to low heat. Clothes almost always dry on low heat and the extra few minutes is more than offset by the drop in energy required.

Why should I do this?

Most people set their dryers on high and for a longer dry-time than necessary to dry their clothes. Simply take the time to figure out exactly how long it takes for your clothes to dry and set the dryer accordingly. Dryers alone make up almost 6% of the energy consumption in your home(1). Running your dryer for 10 minutes less could drop that number by a full percent! 

Or you can make even more of a difference and hang dry your clothes.

When it comes time to buy a new appliance look for the most energy efficient model you can find. EnergyStar® certified appliances can save you hundreds of dollars and thousands of pounds of carbon dioxide emissions over their lifetime.

How do I do this?

Look for the EnergyStar® label on the appliances you’re buying. The Federal Trade Commission requires EnergyGuide labels on most home appliances (except for stove ranges and ovens). Just because an appliance has an EnergyGuide label does NOT mean that it is energy efficient. See the images below to ensure that you don’t mix up the EnergyGuide label with EnergyStar®. The EnergyGuide label simply tells you how much energy that appliance uses in an average year. The LOWER the kWh/year number, the better.

The EnergyStar® certification means that the appliance is energy efficient. EnergyStar® certified products have been tested and certified as energy efficient. This certification ensures that the appliance meets a maximum energy usage requirement, but keep in mind that some EnergyStar® certified appliances are better than others. Make sure to check out actual energy uses and make comparisons.

Energy efficient models can cost more than conventional ones but there are plenty of factors that offset the cost. Aside from the smaller energy bill there are a number of rebate programs out there that give you cash back for purchasing an energy efficient appliance. Puget Sound Energy offers up to $100 rebates and Whirlpool also has their own rebate program. Click here to find the most up to date rebate programs.

 
EnergyGuide Label

 
EnergyStar® Label

Why should I do this?

Appliances account for about 2/3 of household energy consumption(1). The difference between standard appliances and an energy efficient model can be huge. EnergyStar® models tend to use 10-50% less energy than new standard models and up to 75% less energy than the older model you might be replacing. This means big carbon dioxide savings as well as big dollar savings on your monthly electricity bills.

Energy efficient models can cost more than conventional ones but there are plenty of factors that offset the cost. Aside from the smaller energy bill there are a number of rebate programs out there that give you cash back for purchasing an energy efficient appliance. Puget Sound Energy offers up to $100 rebates and Whirlpool also has their own rebate program. Click here to find the most up to date rebate programs.

Perform routine maintenance on your fridge and save hundreds of pounds of carbon dioxide every year.

How do I do this?

Keep it Clean:
It's a good idea to clean the refrigerator about once a month with a vacuum or broom. Behind and underneath the refrigerator are metal coils. These heat-condenser coils transfer heat from inside the unit to the outside air. Because dust acts as an insulator, dusty heat exchange coils cannot get rid of heat as easily and the refrigerator has to work harder to keep the inside cool.

Thermostat Settings:
If the unit has an energy-saver setting, use it. If it doesn't, try keeping the thermostat between 37 and 42 degrees F in the refrigerator and at 0 degrees F in the freezer. If the temperature dial doesn’t list temperatures, consult the owner's manual, or use a thermometer to determine the temperature of each setting.

Location:
It is also important to consider the effect of outside temperatures on the unit. Don't place the unit in direct sunlight or near any heat source, such as an oven or a heat register. The cooler the surrounding temperature, the easier it is for the refrigerator to maintain a cold temperature inside.

Good Habits:
Good habits will also save money. For example, don't stand in front of an open refrigerator and window shop. It wastes energy. Decide what you want before you open the door. The interior temperature of the unit can shoot up 10-20 degrees F each time the door is open. Also, get into the habit of checking the door to make sure it is completely closed after opening.

Check for Leaks:
Over time, the vinyl or rubber seals on refrigerator doors tend to harden or become twisted. Check the door gasket periodically and replace it if it's worn or leaking. To find air leaks, pass the back of your hand around the closed door to detect escaping cool air. Or insert a piece of paper at various points between the seal and the edge of the door when it’s closed. If the paper can be easily pulled out, it's time to replace the seal. Replacement seals are inexpensive and are sold at hardware and appliance stores.

One vs. Two:
Finally, many families have a refrigerator and a freezer. Simply said, it is more efficient to use a single larger refrigerator then operate two or more small ones. If another unit is desired, keep it in the basement where its cooler and where it won't contribute its waste heat to the living space(1)

Why should I do this?

Your water heater and refrigerator use about a third of all the energy in your home. Most people don’t think about either one until they stop working all together. But these appliances can operate inefficiently for years without you ever noticing a problem. There are a number of free or cheap maintenance issues you can take care of on your own that will make a big difference on how efficiently these appliances operate. You could easily boost the energy efficiency of your water heater and refrigerator by 25% and save about 300 lbs. of CO2 and put $64 back in your pocket every year. If you fix some major maintenance issues that number could be much higher.

Install solar or wind power at home and get off the grid or sell your excess power back to the utility. You could cut over 10 tons of carbon dioxide emissions every year!

How do I do this?

Talk to a local solar or wind energy specialist to get a quote on what kind of system will work for your home. Options include wind power, photovoltaics, solar hot water, passive solar design, microhydropower systems or a combination (more information). And yes, solar power does work, even in Western Washington!  We actually receive about 68% as much solar energy as Los Angeles. The state of Washington provides a variety of incentives to make renewable energy systems even more affordable. PSE also participates in net metering (allowing customers to sell back excess energy) and offers other renewable energy incentives.

Here are a few local businesses that can provide more information about alternative energy and help you install a system of your own:

Western Washington Solar
Ecotech
Alpha Products
Mac and Mac Electric
Heating Green

Why should I do this?

Renewable energy systems allow you to use little or no energy from public utilities. Even in the Northwest with our hydroelectric capabilities almost half of our home energy comes from fossil fuels, mainly coal. Installing a renewable energy system in your home or community is probably the biggest step you can take toward leading a zero waste, low carbon dioxide producing life.

Solar systems currently pay for themselves in about 7 years. Any renewable energy system you install will eventually pay for itself and these paybacks will become shorter and shorter as new incentives are offered by state and federal governments and the price of fossil fuels continues to increase.