ENERGY SAVERS TIPS FOR ALASKA
Contents
1. kilowatt hour a space heater running for 5 hours a day can cost anywhere from 50 3 to 125 a month in rural Alaskan house holds according to the UAF Bristol Bay Environmental Science Lab Insulating and air sealing can reduce heating costs by t up to 60 according to the University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Services UAF CES Insulation and air sealing work together to minimize a buildings heat loss and air sealing is essential for mois ture control when adding insulation Insulation is rated in R value and expresses resistance to heat flow The higher the R value the more effective the insulation Adding insulation combined with air sealing can be the easiest and most inexpensive way to save money on heating bills The Department of Energy has recommendations for minimum R values based on which part of the country you live See page 27 1 i 1 SA Y a g t Y AY h EN V f W E WE gx X mm EN CL a I 3 IDENTIFY R VALUES IN EXISTING INSULATION A contractor can make recommendations on types amounts and location of additional insulation and properly install it INSPECT VAPOR BARRIERS Inspect the condition of your vapor barrier identify air leaks and repair them They should inspect crawlspaces and attics which need extra attention because of issues with excessive moisture ATTIC AND FLOOR FOUNDATION INSULATION Insulating these are relative2. WHAT YOU CAN DO 24 RAMS gt D E AL Lol T L f There are a number of residential pro grams offered to Alaskans statewide THE HEATING ASSISTANCE PROGRAM For more information please visit the programs web site http health hss state ak us dpa programs hap POWER COST EQUALIZATION PCE 2010 PCE Communities For more information or to see if you are covered under the PCE Program go to http www akenergyauthority org programspce html Alaskan Housing FINANCE CORPORATION HOME ENERGY REBATE PROGRAM THE EXPANDED WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM SECOND MORTGAGE FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION THE NEW HOME REBATE PROGRAM ENERGY EFFICIENCY INTEREST RATE REDUCTION ASSOCIATION LOAN PROGRAM SMALL BUILDING MATERIAL LOAN PROGRAM A full description of each program can be found at AHFCS Energy Programs webpage http www ahfc state ak us energy energy cfm 23 GOT ENERGY QUESTIONS RCES THE AHFC RESEARCH AND INFORMATION CENTER RIC provides information and technical assistance via the web phone and in person visits Books fact sheets videos reports catalogs and other resources on northern building innovative housing construction energy efficiency renewable energy and sustainable technology are available http www ahfc state ak us energy ric cfm THE COLD CLIMATE HOUSING RESEARCH CENTER CCHRC is located in Fairbanks and funded in part by AHFC to help meet the challenge of bui
3. harmful health and safety issues can exist including mold growth and back draft ing of major appliances where negative pressure may pull poisonous gasses into the home from heating systems rather than allowing them to escape a gt If you are not sure of the specific function of something in your home it is best to research the issue or consult a professional before making any alterations Common Air Leaks in the Home PLUMBING STACK VENT BATHROOM f FAN VENT ECESSE LIGHTS ww YA iy Ir N MN Al f D N ih n Pm gt gt Air leaking into the house TETERA lt gt Air leaking out of the house Photo courtesy of Energy Star WHAT YOU CAN DO DO NOT COVER VENTS FANS OR AIR EXCHANGERS Though these appear to be leaking cool air into your home they are in fact regulating the air flow allowing heat to be evenly distributed and preventing moisture build up If you have concerns about the ventilation in your home consult a professional MONITOR MOISTURE LEVELS Use a hygrometer to measure the moisture levels in your home For Alaska it is best to stay between 30 and 50 relative humidity depending on the season and location With levels higher than 50 there is a higher potential for mold growth and rotting materials If you find mold growth in your home consult a professional or refer to the EPA s A Brief Guide to Mold Moisture and Your Home at http www epa gov iedmold1 pdfs moldgu
4. Second Edition 2011 ENERGY SAVERS TIPS FOR ALASKA Tun to Save Energy and Money in your home JENS SWAME Alas Housing E CORPOR SAVING ENERGY AT HOME In Alaska we pay some of the highest costs for energy in the United States As consumers we have little control over these costs however we do have control over how effectively we use our resources This guide will provide you with numerous ideas and resources that will empower you to lower your energy costs by addressing heating and electricity usage first Rising energy costs are an eminent reality across the state and by addressing heating and electricity usage first we can quickly lower these costs and save money TWO SIMPLE WAYS TO SAVE Energy Conservation involves changes in behavior that lead to lowering energy consumption such as turning off a light when it is not in use Energy Efficiency involves using tools or devices that can lead to lowering energy consumption when installed and used correctly such as replacing an incandescent light bulb with an LED one or using an occupancy sensor TABLE OF CONTENTS YourHome nee 4 5 IC UNO EV rn 18 Heakinern caren es 6 7 APPUI ES 19 Insulate amp Air Seal 8 9 CR ee eee ee 20 cl Dal Monitor Usage 21 iohtino ve 12 13 SEVIS eee eee 22 23 puentom Powers 14 State Programs 24 25 Lin m PE Resources 2159217 Kitchen e 16 17 Front Image from a thermal gun illustrating the heat loss of a h
5. an go When you visit family in another state go backpacking in Denali or off to fish camp lower the heat even more As you adjust the thermostat keep in mind that elders kids and those with medical conditions have greater heating needs Pictured Above Rebecca Derendoff Photo courtesy of Dan Lung WHAT YOU CAN DO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL TUNE YOUR HEATING SYSTEM All heating systems should be checked every year Gas stoves should be checked every two years Also check filters regularly SEAL YOUR FIREPLACE WHEN NOT IN USE Close the flue when it is not in use or make a fireplace insert Inserts seal air leaks and can be removed easily If you never use the fireplace have it sealed up permanently CHECK AIR VENTS RADIATORS AND REGISTERS If they are blocked by furniture or drapes heat cannot circulate through the rest of your home OLDER HEATING SYSTEMS If yours is older than 15 years have it evaluated for replacement and a new higher efficiency heating systems New wood stove models can be more efficient than older ones WOOD HEATING Burns best when dry and wood that is split dries faster than logs GAS AND ELECTRIC STOVES Never use your propane gas or electric stove for heating It is very dangerous Propane and gas stoves can cause carbon monoxide poisoning and electric ovens are not designed to heat large areas and can be a fire hazard USE ELECTRIC SPACE HEATERS SPARINGLY Depending on the model and cost per
6. cies evaluating insulation levels and quality etc To find an energy rater near you visit www ahfc state ak us energy energy cfm HOW TO FIND AIR LEAKS To find air leaks look for daylight around the frames of windows and doors You can also light a stick of incense and use it to locate leaks Hold it in areas you think are drafty Moving air will make the smoke waver showing you where there is an air leak Be careful not to place the lit item near flammable materials Running your hand over surfaces to find cold spots is also a simple effective way to locate leaks The water heater is the 2nd largest energy user in most homes The water heater accounts for about 15 of your energy bill second only to your homes space heating system according to UAF CES You dont simply pay once for water If on a munici pal system you pay one bill for the cost of the water itself as well as the treatment and pumping of that water If you have your own well you pay for the elec trical cost Then you pay a second bill for the cost of heating that water Reducing the amount of hot water you use will save money on both bills TURNING DOWN THE TEMPERATURE Set the thermostat on your water heater to 120 F Its one of the easiest ways to save The change Water is often heated to 140 F unnecessarily turning it back will save between 6 and 10 percent on your energy bill according to the Department of Energy from hotter water o
7. e to draw power when not charging Unplug CHECK YOUR HEAT DISTRIBUTION If it is blocked by furniture or drapes the air you pay for will not circulate properly causing your heating system to run longer and use more energy Be sure to also keep interior doors open to help with heat flow through the entire house Energy Use of Set Top Boxes and Other CABLE BOXES Appliances Set top cable boxes Toa Household Set Top actually use more 1 HD DVR 1 HD Set Top Box A 1 New ENERGY electricity in a year than NEL our refrigerator To find Recent Model HD DVR y 8 a Set Top Box your exact costs multiply ENERGY STAR Version 4 1 the kWhs by your local 2 LCD TV Model electric rate To read _fecent Mode more about this go to Compact Fluorescent www nrdc org energy files SEP settopboxes pdf 100 200 300 400 500 Average Energy Use kWh year Source Better Viewing Lower Energy Bills and Less Pollution Improving the Efliciency of Television Set Top Boxes Photos courtesy of Rebekah L hrs and Danny Brown 15 16 In rural areas it can cost 400 a year to run a fridge and 50 a year to power a coffee maker according to the UAF Cooperative Extension Service WHAT YOU CAN DO THE REFRIGERATOR WHAT YOU CAN DO 18 LAUNDRY Washing machines use two types of resources They need electricity to power their motors and they need water to do the work WHAT YOU CAN DO Each of your appliances have t
8. f minerals and corrosion in the water heater and in the pipes turn down the thermostat even further if there is no risk of freezing WHAT YOU CAN DO INSTALL LOW FLOW SHOWERHEADS They use one third to one half the water that regular showerheads use and still provide adequate water pressure BUY A WATER HEATER THAT FITS YOUR NEEDS Why If you buy a new water heater that is too big you will pay to heat up water you dont need Thats a waste of both energy and money TAKE SHOWERS They use less hot water than baths FIX LEAKY WATER FAUCETS AND RUNNING TOILETS Thirty drops of water per minute can waste up to 19 gallons of water per month If your toilet runs you potentially could be wasting money and energy from an overworked mixing valve INSTALL LOW FLOW AERATORS ON FAUCETS These reduce the amount of water flow saving both water and energy INSULATE YOUR WATER HEATER If recommended by the manufacturer install an insulating blanket MAINTAIN YOUR WATER HEATER Manufacturers recommend draining your water heater at least once a year in order to run most efficiently Other necessary yearly maintenance will also help Consult a professional or refer to your user manual for details Pictured Above Olianne Tinker Photos courtesy of Rebekah Liihrs 11 12 13 Alaskans spend more money powering home audio systems and DVD machines when they are off than when they are actually in use Living rooms are home to mos
9. ide pdf A Tale of Weatherization This short video delves into the basics of building science in cold climates It provides a visual tour of how a house functions as a system while addressing the many facets of a home This video addresses complicated applications in an easy to understand and fun way It was adapted from the Building Science Community of Alaska and currently can be found on the AHFC website at AA of http www ahfc state ak us energy energy_videos cfm ar homes energy bill the single largest Z energy expense 7 C Heating accounts for 3896 of your A number of homes across rural Alaska use an oil furnace stove or boiler as their primary heating system Ihese are controlled by a thermostat which tells the system how much energy to produce controlling the temperature of your home PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTATS These automatically adjust your homes temperature to maximize you savings Set them between 62 F and 68 F in the winter and turn it off in the summer to save energy Used properly they can save up to 150 a year according to Energy Star They can save even more in Alaskan households Program it to set back the heat two hours before you go to bed and increase it just before you wake Set it back in the day if no one will be home For every degree you lower the therm stat you save about 2 percent on your heating bill Turning it down five degrees saves about 10 percent See how low you c
10. ky Mountain Institute www rmi org State of Oregon s Office of Energy www oregon gov energy U S Consumer Product Safety Commission www cpsc gov State of Californias Flex Your Power campaign www fypower org This guide has been specifically customized for Alaska by Rebekah L hrs Energy Specialist at Alaska Housing Finance Corporation in collaboration with the Southwest Alaska Municipal Conferences Energy Taskforce The publication of this book was made possible by contributions from the Alaska Energy Authority the Alaska Building Science Network and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation The project was funded by the Alaska Energy Authority and the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation For more information about Project Energy Savers visit www projectenergysavers org Notice This booklet was modified from the original publication and was produced by Project Energy Savers M LLC Neither the Project nor any person acting on behalf of the Project makes any warranty expressed or implied with respect to the use of any information disclosed in this booklet or assumes any liability with respect to the use of or for damages resulting from the use of any information contained in this booklet The recommendations statistics and information provided are strictly for the purposes of informing the user The savings listed are estimated based on research and other findings They are meant to be suggestive Actual savings will depend on climate home si
11. lding energy efficient safe and affordable homes through applied research and technologies Please visit the center s web site for more information http www cchrc org RESO akenergy efficiency org VISIT AKENERGYEFFICIENCY ORG This site is a one stop shop for energy efficiency in Alaska Check this site for updates on available state and federal programs new funding opportunities events classes and other resources beyond residential savings All estimates for energy savings vary by region and for each individual family We have used typical savings Ihe following is a list of key sources used in preparing this booklet University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service www uaf edu ces Uf Lot RR The Southwest Alaska Municipal Conference www swamc org Alaska Energy Authority www akenergyauthority org Alaska building Science Network www absn com Alaska Housing Finance Corporation www ahfc us Cold Climate Housing Research Center www cchrc org Bristol Bay Environmental Science Laboratory www uaf edu bbesl The American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy www aceee org SO The U S Department of Energy www energy gov The U S Department of Energy s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy www eere energy gov Energy Star a joint program of the U S Department of Energy and the U S Environmental Protection Agency www energystar gov Alliance to Save Energy www ase org Roc
12. ly cheap and effective in terms of payback as the floor and ceiling have the highest potential for heat loss A proper contractor or energy rater can evaluate these and recommend improvements COMBUSTION SAFETY TESTING Air sealing without combustion safety testing can be very dangerous This testing evaluates ventilation and major appliances to ensure poisonous gases are not back drafting into the home CAULK CRACKS AND GAPS LESS THAN 14 INCH WIDE Caulk is flexible and a good way to seal air leaks especially around windows and doors MAN DOORS AND GARAGE DOORS Doors are a frequent source of heat loss If you detect air leaks replace the threshold or attach a door sweep Also be sure to check seals and latches Poorly insulated and sealed garage doors also should be evaluated REPAIR WINDOWS Cracks let cold air into your home Install weather stripping and window insulation kits clear plastic film if your windows have drafts In most cases it is not cost effective to replace windows unless they are older than 1980 and are single pane or extremely damaged INSULATE YOUR WATER HEATER TANK Your water heater can lose heat through the walls of the tank If recommended by the manufacturer install an insulating blanket You can also insulate the pipes SCHEDULE AN ENERGY RATING A certified rater can identify the most effective energy efficiency upgrades Measures range from identifying air leaks testing heating system efficien
13. ome in Fairbanks Scale shows range of temperatures Gun only registers to 40 F Actual temperature is 56 F Photo courtesy of Sean Skaling Alaska Energy Authority YOUR ENERGY BILL HOW MUCH ARE WE PAYING EXACTLY Annual estimated average of fuel and electric costs by region Northern 10 773 Southwest 8 361 co A 8 317 Southeast 5 947 Railbelt 4 753 WHERE DOES YOUR MONEY GO Energy bills don t come itemized showing you which appliances and systems use the most energy ALASKA HOUSEHOLD ENERGY COSTS Space Hoanne e OM 38 Water Beats ee 15 A ee ee 13 E ee ee 8 o re c ME 7 Cookie en 7 Clothes Dryers and Dishwashers 7 Computers O 1 Oer ee 4 TOTAL 100 Alaska Housing Finance Corporation Energy Rebate Averages Village Appliance Usage Spread Sheet University of Alaska Fairbanks Cooperative Extension Service UAF CES Your home works as a system Altering one small part can impact the rest Mr ng It is important to know how your home works before you start making changes that could affect the airflow and pressure such as covering vents closing off holes in the garage etc Though the goal is to minimize air leakage it is important to understand the health and safety issues that come with tightening your home R HC Ventilation helps control the pressure in the home allow ing it to breath Without this
14. or coil cleaning brush e Stop leaks by replacing washers in sink faucets LOW COST e Use low expansion foam around windows and door frames to seal leaks and cracks e Replace weather stripping around exterior doors e Get a refrigerator thermometer to monitor temperature e Replace door sweep on the bottom of exterior door e Caulk around leaky windows to prevent drafts e Switch bulbs from incandescent to CFL MEDIUM COST e Install insulating blanket on water heater if manufacturer recommended e Install new threshold under worn exterior doors e Install a low flow shower head e Install a programmable thermostat e Purchase a timer for your engine block heater e Purchase a Kill A Watt meter to monitor energy usage e Fix leaky faucets Source Adapted from Energy Tips Conserve and Save by Roxie Rodgers Dinstel 20 MONITOR YOUR USAGE Look at your energy bill each month Become aware of your habits and usage Measure and Monitor Reduce and Save See how low you can go on your energy bill with these tips Can you drop your costs by 10 What about even 40 Monitoring Kits http www akenergyauthority org eec toolloankit html AEA Tool Kit Pictured Left Nancy Gregory Anderson Photo courtesy of Todd Radenbaugh 2 22 gt TI Li L Make sure your space heater Alaskan villages have the highest mortality rate from carbon monoxide poisoning in the USA according to UAF CES
15. t of the electronics in your house Your family watches TV plays video games turns on computers and listens to music all racking up energy ROON The living area is ripe for other energy saving measures as well especially if it has multiple windows a fireplace or several air vents q J Se PHANTOM POWER Also referred to as phantom loads phantom power is when your electronics draw energy even while they are off This is energy that costs you money Power strips help prevent this Z gt POWER STRIPS A SMART WAY TO SAVE e Plug electronics into a power strip Flip the switch off when you are not using them e If you have many electronics group them into several power strips Put things you use at the same time like the computer and printer on the same strip e Put power strips in easy to reach places They wont save energy if you dont use them regularly e Place your TV on a power strip Though many TVs need to be reprogrammed if they are completely turned off they still carry a large phantom load when left plugged in e Energy Star Appliances can also lower phantom power WHAT YOU CAN DO TURN OFF THE TV WHEN NO ONE IS WATCHING Its the easiest way to save USE THE SLEEP FUNCTION An average household can cut 60 percent of the energy their electronics use by using the sleep mode UNPLUG POWER ADAPTERS AND CHARGERS When warm to the touch cell phone digital camera and laptop chargers continu
16. wo price tags Ihe f rst is the price you pay for it at the store The second is the price you pay to run that appliance over its lifetime Over time the cost of running your appliance will add up Usually this price is higher than the actual price tag of the appliance at the store When purchasing appliances it is important to remember these lifecycle costs Choosing the most energy efficient appliances will help reduce operating costs An EnergyGuide label on each appliance will show you how much energy a model will use But also look for the Energy Star symbol Its only on appliances that meet strict energy efficiency standards If possible recycle or backhaul old appliances AN T gt t A A t ENERGY STAR A LABEL FOR SAVINGS Products with the Energy Star label meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the U S Environmental Protection Agency and the U S Department of Energy Before you go to the store to buy a new appliance see if Energy Star certifies the type of machine you need It certifies products including Limited budget There are simple projects that can be done with a minimum of time and equipment to reduce your energy use These low cost energy efficiency techniques can add up to big savings lt T ULTRA LOW COST LM e Install foam gaskets under switch plates e Use transparent window film on windows e Invest in power strips to reduce phantom loads e Purchase a refrigerat
17. ze and other factors 2011 Project Energy Savers LLC All Rights Reserved This booklet cost 90 cents to produce based on a bulk order by AEA and AHFC
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