Green Energy

Starting with the Basics to Save you Money


Have you been thinking about the amount of energy that you use, and all of the things you could be doing better? We applaud your efforts. Here are a few starter tips to help you get started moving in the right direction.

image1 (3)Heating - Cooling

  • Replace the air filters on your central heating system regularly.
  • Limit the thermostat control setting for the furnace in the heating season to a maximum of 65 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Limit the thermostat control setting for the air conditioner in the cooling season to a minimum of 78 degrees Fahrenheit.
  • Consider installation of a programmable thermostat to maximize "setback" savings.
  • Consider installing ceiling fans.
  • Adding reflective film or sunscreens to glass areas can result in energy savings when installed on east, south and west exposures.
  • Planting trees and shrubs to provide shade while not obstructing natural ventilation can result in energy savings.
  • Insulate ductwork and/or piping.

image1 (1)Building "Envelope"

  • Insulate attic, outside walls, floors over crawl space, etc.
  • Add insulation to attic access panels or pull-down stairs.
  • Install insulation in gaps around pipes, ducts, fans or other items which enter the attic or exit the house from a conditioned space.
  • Install 1 square foot of attic ventilation per 300 square feet of attic space.
  • Use outlet and switchplate gaskets to reduce air infiltration.
  • Caulk, seal and weather strip around windows and doors.

image1 (2)Water Heating

  • Set water heater thermostats to 115 - 120 degrees Fahrenheit (140 degrees if using a dishwasher not equipped with a temperature booster).
  • Replace showerheads and faucets with type limiting flow to 2.5 gallons per minute.
  • Reduce the use of heater water for clothes washing.
  • Turn off the electric water heater at breaker or set back gas water heater to "pilot", "vacation", or lowest heat setting when your home is vacant for 2 days or more.
  • Replace washers ("O - rings" in washerless faucets) where leaking. 
  • Install insulating wrap for water heater. 
  • Insulate hot water pipes.

image1Refrigerators/Freezers

  • Clean refrigerator and freezer coils at least biannually.
  • Check the gasket around your refrigerator door.  Close the door on a piece of paper.  If the paper slides out easily just adjust or replace the gasket.
  • Use the "power - saver" switch if your refrigerator has one.  This turns off little heaters designed to prevent condensation in extremely humid climates.
  • Eliminate use of underutilized second refrigerator/freezer and consolidate storage into primary appliance.
  • Keep your refrigerator and freezer at the right temperature.  The refrigerator should be between 38 and 42 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.

 These tips brought to you by UMPA.UMPA





Going Green 

Going Green is easy with the help of UMPA's RenewChoice Program and information.  Our city is a proud member of the RenewChoice Program.

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More and more people today are showing interest in sustainable practices for their homes and businesses. Historically in Utah, most of the energy used to power our homes and businesses has been generated using coal, which is a finite resource and when burned, releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere, which can have unfavorable environmental consequences.


Today, the energy industry is exploring new ways to generate power for consumers using renewable resources (such as wind, sun, and water). However, generating power from these renewable sources is more costly than from the traditional power supplies.

RenewChoice allows energy consumers in certain Utah cities to purchase blocks of power that are from renewable sources. The program allows flexibility for how much of a power customer’s energy portfolio comes from clean energy. Customers may opt in or out at any time (allowing for about 30 days of processing time).

HOW IT WORKS

You choose to purchase renewable energy in 100-­kilowatt-­hour (kwh) increments, known as blocks. Each block costs $2 per month, which is an additional charge on your regular usage-based energy bill.

Your electric utility then purchases renewable energy on the customer’s behalf, equal to their RenewChoice purchase. This renewable energy is then added to the energy grid in place of energy that would have come from non-renewable sources, such as coal-fired energy.

You can subscribe to as many blocks equal to your consumption as you wish. Participation is voluntary, and you can discontinue at any time.

Your purchase helps cover the cost of the renewable energy sources, and also helps solidify a market for renewable energy, helping to support the future development of renewable energy resources in your area.

The SelectGreen Calculator shows how much difference you're making.  START HERE.