The greening of Curtis Park
SMUD helps Curtis Park couple
assess their home energy use
By Kathy Les
Viewpoint Staff Writer
Many in the neighborhood have embraced energy conservation as part of
the SCNA/SMUD partnership. But sometimes, even the most concerted effort
to conserve doesn't turn up a lower energy bill.
Such was the case with Carol and Peter Blackman of 26th Street. In frustration,
Carol called SMUD for some answers to her dilemma. SMUD, in turn, sent
energy specialist Brooks Hillian to evaluate their home last November.
This is a special service SMUD provides, normally for those with excessively
high energy bills. The Blackman's SMUD bill is typically around $115 a
month, considered good for their 2,800 square foot home with two home
offices. But Carol is committed to using less for the sake of the environment
and sought guidance on making her home less energy dependant.
Hillian spent four hours with Carol, Viewpoint's production editor, and
Peter, the owner of a fly fishing business in Sacramento, to thoroughly
evaluate their house, its heating and cooling systems and appliances.
Hillian pointed out that the Blackman's heating and cooling systems, both
over 20 years old, use the same units for both floors and run on a non-programmable
thermostat. The Blackman's effectively heat and cool every room in the
house just to cool or warm a few rooms; more than that, they are cooling
and heating at a constant temperature throughout the day, rather than
using either according to the hours they are home or away.
Getting a programmable thermostat would help. Purchasing a new air conditioning
system would be even better, suggested Hillian. Older air conditioning
units typically cost 50-55¢ an hour to operate compared to 30-35¢
for new models.
Hillian next sang praise for ceiling fans, which cost only one cent per
hour to operate. They help better distribute cool air from the air conditioner.
As or more important, he recommended a whole house fan. The Blackmans
have ceiling fans and are considering installing a whole house fan.
"The beauty of a whole house fan is that is can suck the hot air
up and bring in cool air from the outside at 6¢ per hour," said
Hillian.
For upstairs windows that get a lot of sun, Hillian suggested exterior
sun screens. "The way to attack solar gain is from the outside,"
said Hillian. "Once heat gets inside, it takes more energy to cool
the house."
Hillian found other energy-guzzling culprits as well. Taking a walk into
the garage, he pointed out a refrigerator purring away. Opening the door
revealed little food inside, indicating the fridge was operating for no
real reason.
An old refrigerator like this one can cost $15 a month to operate, emphasized
Hillian, compared to new energy-efficient ones that cost just $7 a month.
Carol decided it made the most sense to banish the old fridge, taking
advantage of SMUD's incentive to pay her $35 to remove it from the premises.
Hillian also found that the Blackman's hot water heater was set at 140º,
20º higher than is energy sensible.
A visit to Carol's office revealed another energy culprit-a halogen torchere
lamp. This is both a fire hazard and an energy guzzler. Hillian offered
to replace the lamp with an identical one that operates with a compact
fluorescent bulb. He also handed her a few samples of compact fluorescent
bulbs for other lights and lamps in the house.
"It's our duty and responsibility to conserve energy," said
Hillian. "It's not just about the money we save. It's less strain
on the environment. And it's not about the individual, but about the collective
effort to make a difference."
Editor's Note: The Blackmans took to heart SMUD's recommendations. They
have had SMUD remove their old refrigerator in the garage, have installed
programmable thermostats and converted many light bulbs throughout their
house to compact fluorescents. They have an eight-point energy conservation
plan they hope to complete this year to help reduce their energy consumption.
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