Are you an Energy Hog?

Source

Are you an energy hog? Take the IDT Energy test to find out!

1.  How much insulation do you have in your attic?
     a.  6 inches or less
     b.  7-11 inches
     c.  12 inches or more

2.  How often did you change the filters on your furnace last year?
     a.  Not at all
     b.  1-3 times
     b.  4+ times

3.  How many layers of glass do your windows have?
     a.  Single pane with no storm windows
     b.  Single pane with store windows or double pane
     c.  Double pane with reflective coating or gas-filled

4.  At what temperature do you set your thermostat in the winter when you are home and awake?
     a.  73 degrees or more
     b.  70-72 degrees or more
     c.  69 degrees or less

5.  At what temperature do you set your thermostat in the summer when you are home and awake?
     a.  74 degrees or less
     b.  75-77 degrees
     c.  78 degrees or more

6.  How often do you turn your lights off when you leave the room?
     a.  Almost never
     b.  Sometimes
     c.  Always

7.  Do you keep the lids on pots and pans when cooking?
     a.  Almost never
     b.  Sometimes
     c.  Always

8.  How many Energy Star appliances do you have?
     a.  None
     b.  1-2
     c.  3 or more

9.  At what temperature do you wash your clothes?
     a.  Mostly hot water
     b.  Mostly warm water
     c.  Mostly cold water

10.  How much time do you spend in the shower?
     a.  15 minutes or more
     b.  10 minutes
     c.  5 minutes


Now give your self:

• 2 points for each A
• 4 points for each B
• 6 points for each C

Add up all of your points and see how you scored:

45 - 60 points - Awesome! You are officially NOT an energy hog! Keep on keeping on and enjoy your low energy bills.

31 - 44 points - You are making the right moves but there are more steps to kicking the energy hog habit.  Look back on those As and Bs and see where you can improve.

20 - 31 points - Oink! Oink! You are an energy hog! But don't worry there are many easy steps to take to reduce your energy consumption and SAVE on your energy bills.  Go through our quiz and pick out a few simple things you can change.  Plus check out the IDT Energy energy saving tips on our web site.

If you are simply looking for ways to cut your utility bills, IDT Energy is here to help!

The above quiz was adapted from the scavenger hunt on www.EnergyHog.org check it out for more helpful tips.

Do-It-Yourself Energy Assessments: IDT Energy

In order to find ways to save on your energy costs, you can always conduct a do-it-yourself energy assessment. Certainly, you may also want to look for a new energy supplier like IDT Energy if you live in a state that has deregulation.
A do-it-yourself energy assessment includes a simple walk-through of the home where you will look for problems, air leaks, and more. Keep paper with you and a checklist of the area so that you can keep track of what you have inspected and problems that you discovered. For a more extensive energy assessment, you can always hire someone to come to the home for an evaluation.
Your energy assessment should include locating any air leaks, looking at insulation, evaluating your heating and cooling units, and taking a look at your lighting. You can read up on each area to find out exactly how to evaluate your usage and your needs, and how to make improvements based on your findings.

Energy Changes for New Yorkers as of October 2010

Whether you use IDT Energy, Con Edison or another NY energy delivery company, you’ll want to know about these upcoming changes. There will be a new reactive power charge starting in October 2010. Customers who have a monthly demand higher than 1000 kW and power factor lower than 95% will see a reactive power charge on their bills.

One year from now, in October of 2011, this charge will also apply to customers with monthly demands higher than 500 kW. People who correct power factor by installing capacitors will have this charge eliminated.

Certainly, you should ask your power company, such as IDT Energy, about these upcoming charges and get yourself more educated about your energy needs and usages.

Saving Electricity in the Kitchen: IDT Energy

Most of us spend a great deal of time in the kitchen. A good portion of our electrical expenditure is done in this part of the home, and it’s important to learn key ways to save on your electrical bill in this area. Whether you use IDT Energy or another distributor, knowing how to save energy in the kitchen can make a big difference in your bill.

When you are cooking, turn on your range hood so that waste heat will go out of the home. Consider what you cook during the summer months and cut down on the amount that you use electrical appliances. Serve cold salads, deli slices and other items that don’t need to be cooked in a hot oven or stove top.

Make sure your oven door is tightly closed when in use and use the oven light to check on the progress of your items rather than opening and closing the oven door. Be sure to use a timer or a meat thermometer when cooking to save energy. Overcooked meals don’t taste particularly good, and uses extra electricity unnecessarily.