Jo Carroll Energy

Jo-Carroll Energy offers some simple steps which will help reduce your energy costs. Using combinations of the following measures can help you save on your energy bills.

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Why should people use CFLs?

Switching from traditional light bulbs to compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) is an easy change every American can make to reduce energy use at home and prevent greenhouse gas emissions. Lighting accounts for close to 20 percent of the average homes electric bill. If every home in America replaced just one incandescent light bulb with an Energy Star qualified CFL, it would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes and prevent greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those of more than 800,000 cars annually.

Do CFLs contain mercury?

CFLs contain a very small amount of mercury sealed within the glass tubing an average of 5 milligrams, which is roughly equivalent to an amount that would cover the tip of a ball-point pen. No mercury is released when the bulbs are intact or in use.

What should I do with a CFL when it burns out?

EPA recommends that consumers take advantage of local recycling options for CFLs, where available. Contact your local municipal solid waste agency, or go to www.lamprecycle.org and click on State Lamp Recycling Regulations & Contacts to identify recycling options.

If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash.

How should I clean up a broken fluorescent bulb?
1. Open a window and leave the room for at least 15 minutes.
2. Remove all materials you can without using a vacuum cleaner. Wear disposable rubber gloves, if available (do not use your bare hands). Carefully scoop up the fragments and powder with stiff paper or cardboard. Wipe the area clean with a damp paper towel or disposable wet wipe. Sticky tape (such as duct tape) can be used to pick up small pieces and powder.
3. Place all cleanup materials in a plastic bag and seal it. If your state permits you to put used or broken CFLs in the garbage, seal the CFL in two plastic bags and put into the outside trash. Otherwise, utilize your recycling option. Wash your hands after disposing of the bag.
4. The first time you vacuum the area where the bulb was broken, remove the vacuum bag once done cleaning the area (or empty and wipe the canister) and put the bag and/or vacuum debris, as well as the cleaning materials, in two sealed plastic bags in the outdoor trash or protected outdoor location for normal disposal. DOE

Adjust thermostats. Turn down your thermostat during cool months and turn it up when air conditioning, especially when the building is not occupied. Install a programmable thermostat to accommodate your weekly schedule. By adjusting your thermostat appropriately, you can save on your energy costs since the largest portion of residential energy is used to heat and cool homes.

Reduce the hot water temperature. Reducing the temperature on your water heater thermostat can decrease heat loss from tank. A setting of 120 degrees F can provide adequate hot water for most families. Dishwashers may require higher temperature settings such as 130 degrees F. Many dishwashers now have a temperature boost, allowing you to keep your water heater temperature set at a lower temperature.

Install water flow restrictors and aerators in sink faucets. These measures can save you money by reducing water use (including hot water).

Reduce lighting expenses. Turn lights off when they are not in use. Compact fluorescent lighting is the most efficient lighting on the market today. These bulbs use 70% less energy and last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs. Several wattage sizes are available to fit any of your lighting needs.

Seal heating and cooling ductwork. Leakage from areas such as joints, elbows and connections can be substantial-as much as 20% to 30%. This is especially costly if the ducts travel through unheated or uncooled spaces such as attics, basements or crawl spaces. Use duct tape or caulk to seal duct work.

Install proper amounts of insulation to save heating and cooling energy. Our recommendations are insulation values of R-45 or more in the ceiling and attic, and R-20 or more in the walls. Install Low-E windows for added efficiency.

Replace air filters regularly and follow maintenance schedules for furnace and air conditioning equipment. Replacing a dirty air filter can save big money by reducing the amount of electricity needed to run a blower motor (because there is less resistance to airflow with a clean filter).

Clean heat exchangers and perform routine maintenance on refrigeration equipment. These simple measures will ensure the most efficient operation of heat exchangers needed for cooling.

Seal off unused areas and do not heat or cool these areas. Storage areas represent a good place to start; turn off heating and cooling to these areas.

Turn off equipment when not in use. Do not underestimate the energy savings you can get by turning off unused televisions, stereos, computers, etc.

Seal exterior cracks and holes and ensure tight-fitting windows. Small cracks or holes in the building exterior (like walls, windows, doors, ceiling and floors) can really add up to substantial heating or cooling losses. Install weather stripping and caulking to stop these air leaks.

Shade sun-exposed windows and building walls. Sunlight streaming through windows in the summer can substantially increase your air conditioning costs. During the cooling season, use shading methods (like window coverings, awnings, trees and bushes) wherever possible.

Do not heat or cool the outdoors. Keep exterior doors closed as much as possible. Block and insulate unneeded windows and other openings. Aside from the important security benefit, covering unneeded windows and doors can greatly reduce energy losses.