Mar 01 - New Haven Register, Conn.



With household budgets strained and a growing global focus on energy consumption's environmental impact, a growing number of consumers are seeking ways to conserve energy in an effort to save some money as well as the environment.

There are various things people can do, experts say, to reduce the amount of heating oil, electricity and natural gas they use.

One helpful aspect in reducing usage, particularly in the winter, is keeping an eye on a home or office's temperature.

Consider setting the thermostat in the winter to 68 degrees or cooler during the day and down to 55 degrees before going to bed, advises the National Resources Defense Council. The nonprofit NRDC advocates environmental protection through various means, including energy efficiency.

 Also, use sunlight wisely, the group says. Leave shades and blinds open on sunny days to allow heat in, but close them at night to prevent heat from escaping.

Those who heat their homes with oil should take some time to make sure their furnace is working as efficiently as it can, said Sam Livieri Jr., vice president at Apple Oil Co. in West Haven.

"It's a good time coming up in the spring to clean your furnace," he said, adding that having a trained professional vacuum the furnace will ensure that homeowners get "the full benefit of the heat" passing through it.

Some consumers may want to replace their furnace altogether, especially those who have ones more than 30 years old, Livieri said. "Now is the time to start shopping," he said.

Consumers should make sure that any company installing a furnace is licensed with the state to do so, he said.

The NRDC urges homeowners to keep their water heaters between 120 and 130 degrees. While lower temperatures can save energy, consumers could run out of hot water -- or end up using extra electricity to increase the hot water temperature in their dishwasher.

When it comes to electricity, there are many ways to conserve, according to the United Illuminating Co. of New Haven, which serves customers in the New Haven and Bridgeport areas.

Turn off lights when leaving a room -- whether at home or the office -- and consider using a timer to turn lights off and on automatically.

UI also urges consumers to replace incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star-qualified compact fluorescent bulbs, which last longer and use less energy than regular bulbs do.

Looking for the Energy Star logo on various types of appliances ensure consumers are getting energy-efficient models that conserve energy and can potentially lower bills.

Among other things consumers can do around the home to scale back electricity costs, UI recommends people to place lamps in corners of rooms so the light reflects off two walls, the ceiling and the floor, reflecting more light.

In the kitchen, opt to cook in a microwave or toaster when possible since they use less energy than a full-size oven. Also, resist the urge to leave electric coffee pots on "simmer" or "warm" to keep coffee pots heated for an extended period of time, UI suggests.

Electric customers may want to log on to www.ctenergyinfo. com to check out alternate electric suppliers and see whether they offer cheaper prices that could lower utility bills.

Those who opt to use a competitive supplier instead of UI will buy their power from that alternate supplier, but UI will still deliver the electricity.

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