By Staff
Workshop providesno-cost, low-costways to save money
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
Common sense is making a comeback in America, especially when it comes to cutting energy costs in the home, according to Heidi Smith, director of public relations at Tideland Electric Membership Corp.
Smith offered some common-sense tips on reducing utility bills to attendees of an energy workshop at Beebe Memorial CME Church in Washington on Tuesday night.
The workshop, presented by Eagle’s Wings, a food bank based in Washington, and Tideland EMC, attracted more than 20 people.
Questions were asked by attendees, advice was given by Smith and everyone at the workshop left it with two free Energy Star lightbulbs.
Smith ran through a list of 21 “no-cost and low-cost ways to save energy.” Many tips were common-sense based, but others seemed less obvious to workshop participants.
To save money on energy costs, a goal must be set and adhered to, said Smith. To achieve such a goal, many little chores must be completed around the house regularly, she said.
It is important to carefully monitor a thermostat, Smith said. She suggested that a thermostat be set at 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer.
For those household members who like to fiddle with the thermostat, Smith recommends that a lock box be put over it.
Smith said it may come as a surprise that cheaper air filters are more effective than pricey, long-lasting filters. Long-lasting filters don’t need to be maintained as often, but they become ineffective quickly, said Smith.
She recommended that filters be cleaned or changed once a month.
Ceiling fans waste energy, Smith said.
Ceiling fans are designed for an “occupant’s comfort” and don’t make rooms any cooler, said Smith.
When leaving a room with a ceiling fan that’s on, turn it off, she said.
During winter and especially around Christmas, many people find wrapping up in a blanket next to a warm fire most appealing, Smith said.
She warned that during cold weather a fireplace removes heat from a house. The best time to use a fireplace is when it’s 70 degrees outside, she said.
Eliminating drafts can make a big difference in keeping a house warm, regardless of whether its size and type of construction, Smith said.
Smith said there are several programs that can help individuals and families reduce energy costs.
Martin County Community Action, which assists some people in Beaufort County, helps low-income families practice energy saving habits.
The United States Department of Agriculture provides $20,000 loans to make energy-saving improvements to houses, said Smith.
Without being conscious of wasteful energy habits, people find “the little things add up,” said Smith.
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Heidi Smith, director of public relations fort Tideland Electric Membership Corp., compares an Energy Star lightbulb to a regular bulb at an energy workshop sponsored by Eagle’s Wings. (WDN Photo/Greg Katski)
Common sense cuts energy costs
Workshop provides
no-cost, low-cost
ways to save money
By GREG KATSKI
Staff Writer
Common sense is making a comeback in America, especially when it comes to cutting energy costs of the household, according to Heidi Smith, director of public relations at Tideland Electric Membership Corp.
Smith offered some common-sense tips on reducing utility bills to attendees of an energy workshop at Beebe Memorial CME Church in Washington on Tuesday night.
The workshop, presented by Eagle’s Wings, a food bank based in Washington, and Tideland EMC, attracted more than 20 people.
Questions were asked by attendees, advice was given by Smith and everyone at the workshop left it with two free Energy Star lightbulbs.
Smith ran through a list of 21 “no-cost and low-cost ways to save energy.” Many tips were common-sense based, but others seemed less obvious to workshop participants.
To save money on energy costs, a goal must be set and adhered to, said Smith. To achieve such a goal, many little chores must be completed around the house regularly, she said.
It is important to carefully monitor a thermostat, Smith said. She suggested that a thermostat be set at 68 degrees in the winter and 78 degrees in the summer.
For those household members who like to fiddle with the thermostat, Smith recommends that a lock box be put over it.
Smith said it may come as a surprise that cheaper air filters are more effective than pricey, long-lasting filters. Long-lasting filters don’t need to be maintained as often, but they become ineffective quickly, said Smith.
She recommended that filters be cleaned or changed once a month.
Ceiling fans waste energy, Smith said.
Ceiling fans are designed for an “occupant’s comfort” and don’t make rooms any cooler, said Smith.
When leaving a room with a ceiling fan that’s on, turn it off, she said.
During winter and especially around Christmas, many people find wrapping up in a blanket next to a warm fire most appealing, Smith said.
She warned that during cold weather a fireplace removes heat from a house. The best time to use a fireplace is when it’s 70 degrees outside, she said.
Eliminating drafts can make a big difference in keeping a house warm, regardless of whether its size and type of construction, Smith said.
Smith said there are several programs that can help individuals and families reduce energy costs.
Martin County Community Action, which assists some people in Beaufort County, helps low-income families practice energy saving habits.
The United States Department of Agriculture provides $20,000 loans to make energy-saving improvements to houses, said Smith.
Without being conscious of wasteful energy habits, people find “the little things add up,” said Smith.