The greening of Curtis Park
Energy Star appliances best way to save energy

By Kathy Les
Viewpoint Staff Writer

SCNA and Curtis Park residents continue to do their part to help save energy - and stem the tide of global warming and climate change. Did you know that Energy Star appliances reduce energy consumption by 10-50% compared with standard models of refrigerators, TVs and other household appliances?

Energy Star is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy, helping save money and protecting the environment by certifying energy efficient products. In 2005 alone, enough energy was saved from these products to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to that of 23 million cars while saving consumers $12 billion on their energy bills.

Energy Star TVs use about 30% less energy than standard TVs. The money saved on energy bills can more than make up for the higher cost but higher efficiency TV or appliance.

In most households, the refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance. Energy Star refrigerators use half as much energy as models manufactured before 1993 and 40% less energy than conventional models sold in 2001.

Whether or not you have an Energy Star refrigerator consider these energy saving tips:

• Position refrigerator away from a heat source (oven, dishwasher, or direct sunlight)
  
• Leave a space between the wall or cabinets
  and the refrigerator and keep coils clean
  
• Make sure door seals are airtight
  
• Keep refrigerator at 35-38º and freezer at 0º
  
• Minimize time refrigerator door is open
  
• Recycle older or second refrigerators (See SMUD offer in box)
  For more information on Energy Star, visit www.energystar.gov.

Cash in your energy-guzzling refrigerator/freezer

Recycle your old, spare, working, energy guzzling refrigerator/freezer before Dec. 15, 2006 for a chance to win a new Energy Star refrigerator. By recycling, you will:

• Help preserve resources and prevent contaminants from entering the landfill
  
• Receive a $35 incentive
  
• See savings on your electric bill
  
• Be eligible to win a brand new Energy Star refrigerator equivalent to your primary refrigerator .

To schedule an appointment, call SMUD's appliance recycling contractor, ARCA at 1-866-898-7683, or schedule on line at www.smud.org, or www.smud.org/espanol and then click on "rebates." Refrigerators and freezers must be in working condition, and be between 10 and 27 cubic feet in size.

Participation rules are available at www.smud.org.

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