Post by Sarah Richards

 

Who says you can’t reduce your energy usage without suffering the consequences of an inconvenient temperature setting? Well … Avista does.

To help reduce energy use, Avista  optimized its programmable ther- mostats in the building, like the one shown above. Installing and programming a programmable the- rmostat is one of the many low-cost ways to save on energy. You can learn more about finding the right thermostat for you by visiting http://www.energystar.gov.

And we don’t just say it, we did it. In fact, Avista did it by making small heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements throughout our 14,024 square-foot service center located in Spokane Valley, Wash. Avista optimized programmable thermostats in the building, improved the air distribution system and installed stand-alone heat pumps in unoccupied spaces. Since those changes in 2009, Avista has saved 48,000 kilowatt hours, reducing its electric use by about nine percent. Those small changes also moved Avista into the top quarter of similarly compared energy efficient buildings, earning the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Energy Star certification.

By becoming Energy Star certified, Avista serves its customers better by reducing its costs and becoming more efficient with the energy we all use and depend on.

Reducing energy use also helps protect the environment, by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Avista employees gave the changes a thumbs-up as well. The team who worked on the improvements made sure to provide the right level of comfort and convenience for those that work there.

Small changes do make a difference. Making small heating, venting and air conditioning (HVAC) improvements throughout Avista’s 14,024 square-foot service center located in Spokane Valley, Wash., has garnered the official Energy Star certification. Only the top quarter buildings in the nation are awarded the certification.

Over time, little changes can add up. Here a few things you can do in your home to help make a difference.

• Setting your thermostat three degrees lower in cold weather can reduce your heating bill approximately 10 percent. A good cold weather setting is 68 degrees Fahrenheit while you’re home and 65 degrees Fahrenheit at night or while you’re away. This does not apply to an air source heat pump, which may rely on emergency heat to bring the temperature back. Using a programmable thermostat will automatically make the adjustments for you – set it, and forget it.

• Replace your furnace filter once a month. Dirty filters block airflow and make your system work harder.

• Homes breathe and move, so caulking that is several years old may have pulled away from surfaces because of wind, rain and temperature changes. Look for old caulk that needs replacing, then re-caulk around windows, doors and other places where two dissimilar materials meet up. An easy way to check for leaks around doors is to have someone run a flashlight around the exterior door jam at night while you stand inside in the dark. If you see light, fix or add weather-stripping in that location. Also, think about anything added to your home during the year that may have penetrated walls, and fill in those penetrations.

• Water heating is the second largest consumer of energy in the home. A good setting for the water heater temperature is 120 degrees Fahrenheit. If you have a dishwasher, check the manufacturer’s instructions for the suggested temperature.

Customers can take advantage of many energy efficiency equipment rebates and weatherization programs offered by Avista. Learn more about energy efficiency at http://www.everylittlebit.com.