The average consumer can save energy in dozens of ways around
the house, and using less electricity and natural gas can help
prevent further blackouts from rolling across the state.
Art Larson, a spokesman for Sempra Energy, parent company of San
Diego Gas & Electric Co., recommends that people put off
energy-intensive tasks, such as doing laundry and washing dishes,
until after peak hours -- between 8 and 11 in the morning and 4 to
7 in the evening.
A simple way to save energy throughout the day is to turn off
lights, televisions, heaters and appliances.
Scott Anders, project manager for the San Diego Regional Energy
Office, which is devoted to energy planning, suggested the
following energy-saving tips, most of which mostly focus on
effectively heating the home:
Have a central heating system, whether it is gas or electric,
serviced to ensure it is working efficiently. Central heating eats
up energy. Gas heat costs consumers $1.84 per hour and electric
heat $1.16 per hour, according to SDG&E.
Properly insulate and seal heating ducts to prevent heat from
leaking into unnecessary areas.
Set thermostats to 68 degrees whenever possible and as low as
55 degrees at night or when a room or building is unoccupied.
"On the same token, there's a product called a programmable
thermostat," Anders said. He said users can tell the thermostat to
turn off the heat during the day while they're at work and turn the
heat back on before they return.
"Open your shades and curtains during the day, and let in that
sunshine," he said. The sun's warmth can help heat a home.
On cloudy days and at night, closing shades and curtains helps
keep heat inside.
Sealing leaky doors and windows prevents heat loss and keeps
cold air from getting inside.
"If you have a fireplace, keep your fireplace damper closed,"
Anders said. "Your fireplace sucks out an enormous amount of heat
because of the natural updraft."
Install adequate attic insulation; it can save homeowners up to
30 percent on heating costs.
Other tips include buying energy-efficient appliances and
compact fluorescent light bulbs.