Efficiency is already our biggest energy resource by far - and we have barely scratched the surface of how much it's worth... 

Amory Lovins, Rocky Mountain Institute co-founder, interviewed in Plenty magazine, Oct./Nov. 2007 issue
November 2007
House leak  Curtis Park Energy Stars
 
SCNA/SMUD Energy Partnership
Dear Energy Stars: 
Frosty SunEarlier this month SMUD conducted a special Weatherizing for Winter energy workshop for Curtis Park residents and Energy Stars. Energy Stars in attendence showed a keen interest in making their homes more energy effecient. All the important tips are presented below.

 Weatherizing For Winter

 Weather Stripping Windows
 
SMUD energy specialist Deanne White shared tips for making our homes more energy efficient during winter months at the first Energy Stars Workshop in November. Below is the abbreviated list of tips. For the full list, click here.

Heating

  1. Set thermostat at 66-68 degrees during the day. 
  2. Turn down thermostat to 62 degrees or less at night.
  3.  Programmable thermostats save energy.
  4. Change the air filter for your heater as frequently as monthly.
  5. The most energy efficient and safest portable heaters are radiant heaters.

Insulation

  1. Attic insulation is one of the most effective ways to keep your house warm in winter.
  2.  40-60% of heat loss is through the attic/ceiling.

Weather Stripping

  1. Up to 20% of the heat inside a typical house is lost through windows; improve weather stripping and caulking around doors and windows.
  2. Foam switch plate backing for light and electric switches help seal pathways around these air conduits.

Fireplaces

  1. Always close fireplace damper when not in use.

HVAC Ducts 

  1. You can have the most efficient heating unit, but if ducts aren't sealed tight and run correctly, your heater won't be doing its job properly.
  2. SMUD will come check your ducts for just $25. Call them at 1-888-742-7683.

Hot Water Heaters

  1. Insulate your hot water heater.

Hot Tubs

  1. In winter, turn down hot tub to 80 degrees or off completely when not in use.

Phantom Loads

  1. Electronic appliances like computers, TVs with Tivos and DVRs should be turned off when not actively used.

In This Issue
Weatherizing For Winter
SMUD's New Carbon Calculator
Energy Star Progress to Date

Share you own energy efficiency tips and ideas for the Curtis Park Energy Stars by responding to this e-mail.

Quick Links
Special Services From SMUD
SMUD Employee with Customer 

 

Rebates galore:  Visit www.smud.org for their current rebates on HVAC systems, duct testing, energy efficient appliances, whole house fans, pool pumps, and more. Visit www.flexyourpower.org  for a comprehensive list of rebates from multiple energy providers.

 

Having work done on your house to make it more energy efficient? SMUD provides a list of participating contractors for many types of energy efficiency work (like insulation, solar, duct sealing, etc). Visit the the SMUD web site for names.

 

Have Energy Questions? SMUD's got answers. SMUD now has an Energy Specialist available to take your calls during business hours. Phone 732-7100.

 

SMUD's New Carbon Calculator
Carbon Footprint Wondering about your carbon footprint? Tried other carbon calculators and weren't sure of their reliability? SMUD has installed a new carbon calculator  on their web site to help you compare your carbon footprint against the rest of Sacramento. And it comes with the opportunity to offset your carbon emmissions with SMUD projects right here in town. Check it out at www.smud.org. And while you're there, check out the rest of their new Our Green Community web site.
Curtis Park Energy Stars Continue to Lose Carbon Pounds
The Curtis Park Energy Stars continue to demonstrate that with attention to our personal household energy use, we can reduce our energy draw and our collective carbon footprint. To see how Energy Stars continue to use on average 20% less than the rest of Sacramento, click here.
Kathy Les
Sierra Curtis Neighborhood Association
Curtis Park Energy Stars
New Energy Star Program in East Sac The Curtis Park Energy Stars are now joined by a second neighborhood conservation program in East Sacramento. This program is also in partnership with SMUD. We look forward to sharing our tips and watching their success grow in coming months.