Santee Cooper suggests resolutions for the New Year
January 6, 2011
Green Living: Energy-Saving Tips from Santee Cooper
MONCKS CORNER, SC – January 6, 2011 – A new year is a time for reflection and resolve. Along with those traditional New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and exercise more, Santee
Cooper has some environmentally and economically friendly ideas to help you save energy and money throughout 2011.
“The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to get motivated to make smart choices when it comes to how much energy you consume,” said Zack Dusenbury, vice president of Retail Operations. “Now is the time to set in motion some energy-saving measures that will add up to big savings all year.”
First, be aware of the temperature in your home. Heating and cooling account for as much as half of the energy used in your home, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. Setting the heat a few degrees cooler and the air conditioning a few degrees warmer could pay off in significant savings in your energy bills.
Knowing when to change the air filter can save energy and help keep energy bills lower. Check the air filter monthly and if the filter looks dirty, change it. A dirty filter slows down air flow and forces the system to use more energy to keep working. A clean filter not only makes the system work more efficiently, it also can help keep maintenance costs to a minimum.
Consider planting a tree that will help shade your home. Mother Nature will be happy, your neighbors will enjoy the additional landscaping and you can reap the benefits of having your home shaded during the hot summer months.
Take the time to pull the plug on phantom power. Harness your inner superhero this year and vanquish phantom power in your home by unplugging electric devices you aren’t using. Unplug your phone charges, game systems, computers, DVD players and TVs when not in use.
Finally, resolve to take more walks and bike rides. Cutting down the time you spend in your home means cutting television, radio and computer time, which saves energy. Plus, walking and biking will help with those other New Year’s resolutions.
Santee Cooper
Santee Cooper is South Carolina’s state-owned electric and water utility, and the state’s largest power producer. The ultimate source of electricity for 2 million South Carolinians, Santee Cooper is dedicated to being the state’s leading resource for improving the quality of life for the people of South Carolina. For more information, visit www.santeecooper.com.
