KCP&L Web site offers tools to help consumers save on summer utility bills

Tuesday, March 24, 2009
The Energy Analyzer tool at KCPL.com can help identify how consumers can save on utility bills.

Saving money is always a good idea, and in today's economy it is more important than ever. One place homeowners can go for tips on saving on energy costs is the KCP&L Web site, www.kcpl.com.

According to the Web site, it costs the average homeowner approximately 45 percent of their energy dollar to heat and cool their home. Insulation and programmable thermostats are but two ways of saving money on energy, there are many others.

Ceiling and room fans help circulate cool or warm air around the room and allow consumers to adjust the thermostat to conserve energy and costs.

For every degree the thermostat setting is raised in the summer, customers can expect to cut the energy consumption by 3 to 5 percent. To balance comfort and efficiency, set the thermostat to 68-70 degrees Fahrenheit when heating a home.

Insulation should be judged by R-value rather than just inches, KCP&L reminds consumers. The higher the R-value, the better the insulating properties of the material. Use higher density insulation, such as rigid foam boards, in cathedral ceilings and on exterior walls.

Don't block vents or ducts inside the house to assure air flow in the home. Keep fallen leaves, grass clippings, foliage and other debris away from outdoor air conditioning or heat pump unit be sure the conditioner's coil is clean.

When leaving for an extended period of time such as a long weekend or vacation during the summer, raise the temperature on the thermostat to help trim the bill.

It's also a good idea to change filters in air conditioning units and heat pumps at least once a month, the company says.

Caulk and install weather-stripping around windows and doors to close air gaps. Installing storm windows can reduce your heat loss through the windows by 25 to 50 percent. During the winter close your curtains and shades at night. Open them during the day. Use bath and kitchen fans sparingly when the air conditioner is operating to avoid pulling humid air into the house.

Don't just consider the living area of the house. There are energy savings to be found even where residents seldom go. Make sure attic and crawl spaces are adequately ventilated, poor ventilation will add to summer cooling costs, poor ventilation can also trap moisture in your attic, making insulation less effective.

There are ways to cut energy costs without even going into the house itself, landscaping the environment around a house can help as well. Deciduous trees planted on the south and west will help keep your house cool in the summer and allow sun to shine in the windows in the winter.

Deflect winter winds by planting evergreen trees and shrubs on the north and west sides of your house.

These and many other tips can be found at kcpl.com/efficiency/hee_tips.html

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