Energy Savings Tip - Energy Star Portfolio Manager

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week

July 20 - 26, 2009

Energy Star Portfolio Manager

One of the services that Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" offers is entering your utility usage into the Energy Star Portfolio Manger. What does this do for you? The Energy Star Portfolio Manger is an interactive energy management tool that allows you to track and assess energy and water consumption across your entire portfolio of buildings in a secure online environment. Energy Star Portfolio Manger helps to set investment opportunities, identify under performing buildings, verify efficiency improvements, and receive EPA recognition for good energy performance. Please see http://www.energystar.gov/ for more information and contact Crook Electric "Energy Audit Team" for more information on how your building can benefit!!!!

Energy Savings Tip - Phantom Loads

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week

July 13 - 19, 2009

Many appliances continue to draw a small amount of power when they are switched off. These "phantom" loads occur in most appliances that use electricity, such as VCR's, televisions, stereos, computers, and kitchen appliances. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. This can be avoided by unplugging the appliance or using a power strip and using the switch on the power strip to cut all power to the appliance.

Utility Rebate Program - Released July 2009

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week
July 6 - July 12, 2009

DTE and Consumers Energy Energy Efficiency Rebates

On July 6 DTE and Consumers Energy has released a program to promote Energy Savings. This program will fund certain energy related projects. Over the next three years, 21 million dollars will be released for energy projects that qualify in the Residential and Commercial fields. Crook Electric Energy Audit Team is fully trained and versed in these Utility Rebates and would enjoy sharing how these rebates may impact your utility bills. Please contact us for more information.

Energy Savings Tips for Air Conditioning

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week

Week of June 29 - July 5, 2009

Energy Savings Tips for Air Conditioning

• Keep lights off when rooms are not in use. Lights generate heat that makes your air conditioner run more.

• Try to wash and dry clothes, iron and cook in the morning or later in the evening.

• Use microwave ovens, which produce much less heat than stoves for cooking.

• Use awnings, curtains, or blinds to keep out direct sunlight.

• Eliminate activities in the afternoon that require a great deal of in and out through the doors of your home. This allows cool air to escape and hot air to ener the home.

• Setting the temperature a little higher, around 78-80 degrees F, will save you 6 to 8 percent of your cooling costs for each degree above 78, and most people will be comfortable.

• Use a ceiling fan or portable fan to supplement your air conditioning. A fan can make you feel three to four degrees cooler so you can set your thermostat a few degrees higher and save on cooling costs.

• Turn off the air conditioning or set the thermostat up a few degrees when you leave home.

• Be sure your air conditioner is not blocked. A free flowing air conditioner operates most efficiently. Be sure the return air grill inside your house is not blocked by furniture or other items. Filters should be checked monthly.

• When air conditioning is on, keep doors and windows closed, turn off kitchen or bathroom exhaust fans in the house.

Energy Savings Tips for Dishwashers

Crook Electric Energy Tip of the Week

Week of June 22 - 28, 2009

Energy Savings Tips for Dishwashers

Energy Savings Tips

Check the manual that came with your dishwasher for the manufacturer recommendation on water temperature. It may have an internal heating element that allows you to set the water heater in your home to a lower temperature.

Run your dishwasher with a full load, but not overloaded.

In the summer, use your dishwasher during the cooler parts of the day.

Avoid using the "rinse hold" on your machine for just a few soiled dishes. It uses 3 - 7 gallons of hot water.

Consider purchasing an ENERGY STAR Dishwasher. It uses less water and 41 percent less energy.