How to Save Energy at Home

Part 1 of KISD’s Savings Series

What are some reasons to save energy? To save money – utility costs are an expense that adds up over time ($300/month in utility costs adds up to $36,000 in a 10 year period; a 20% reduction in costs would yield a utility savings of $7,200 over that same period of time) Environmental Stewardship – to conserve non-renewable energy resources and to reduce pollution

Let’s look at two energy cost principles

1. Utility costs are made up of amount used, times the cost for each unit (for example: gallons of water x $/gallon = total $ cost)

2. Reducing either the amount used or the unit cost will result in utility $ savings

Usage times unit cost equals total cost

Reducing usage reduces total cost (even if unit cost remains the same)

Reducing unit cost reduces total cost (even if usage remains the same)

Where are the best places to begin? Highest cost utility – by beginning with the highest cost utility the potential for savings is greatest (this is typically electricity for most households) Simplest strategies – implementing the simplest strategies first will allow savings to start accumulating most quickly

Let’s look at two simple but effective strategies for reducing utility costs

1. Shop for the right electric provider – to help reduce unit costs

2. Utilize a programmable thermostat – to reduce energy usage

Selecting the Right Electric Provider

Shop

Compare

Choose

Example: Power to Choose Website

Important information when shopping for the right electric provider

Utilize online resources to aid in making a decision

A) www.PowerToChoose.org (statewide website of all providers), or

B) www.MyTrueCost.com (select providers for Houston service area)

Review the Facts Label before making a final decision – rate structures vary among providers so look for:

A) fixed customer charge amount and conditions, B) time of use rates (if applicable), and C) length of term and cancellation charges

Electric Rate Change Example Current costs – 20,000 kWh/yr x $0.12/kWh = $2,400/yr

New costs – 20,000 kWh/yr x $0.10/kWh = $2,000/yr Savings – $2,400 - $2,000 = $400/yr

Reduce Energy Usage with a Programmable Thermostat

Programming Options for Thermostats Programming days – typically two options:

A) 5-2 group programming (weekdays/weekends), or B) 7 day individual day programming

Programming times – most models offer 4 time slots per day:

A) morning/wake-up, B) day/leave C) evening/return D) night/sleep

Other Programmable Thermostat Options Wi-Fi accessibility – allows programming and/or remote access from a smart phone, tablet or computer Hold – an option used to temporarily override the schedule for a period of time (note: the hold option will typically remain in effect until it is removed, allowing the thermostat to return to program operation) Adaptive Recovery Control – an option that will bring on the HVAC system prior to the selected time in order to attempt to bring the temperature to set point by the selected time (note: if this option is in place it may utilize additional energy over the standard/non-adaptive recover control option) Control Mode Selection – typically two options: a) manual cool – heat selection or b) auto cool/heat selection (note: if the auto option is in place without differing setpoints then it may utilize additional energy over the manual option)

Questions ?

Feel free to contact Chad Corbitt or Glenda Miller in the KISD Energy Management Office

concerning any additional questions or information with which we may assist.

Chad Corbitt 832-249-4474 or Glenda Miller 832-249-4479