CONGRESSWOMAN MARY BONO MACK PROUDLY SERVING CALIFORNIA'S 45TH DISTRICT

In addition to some useful links from the Department of Energy, use the following links to get some energy-saving tips from the Bonneville Power Administration:  Cooling Tips, Appliance Tips, Workplace Tips, and Lighting Tips.

Developing energy efficiency is an important way to decrease energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The advances being made in construction materials that improve energy efficiencies are impressive, and the Federal government can take the lead in using these materials and working with the private sector so that both federal and commercial buildings can reap the benefits of improved efficiency. Currently, energy used in these capacities is significant; in July of 2006, the Department of Energy noted that building operation accounts for nearly 40% of U.S. energy use and nearly 70% of electricity use nationwide. By simply improving the materials that go into the construction of buildings, and by changing lighting and usage during work hours, the results can save up to 30% on energy consumption.

Recognizing the need to encourage both continued advancements in this area and utilization, I partnered with Congressman Michael F. Doyle (D-PA) in the introduction of the High Performance Green Buildings Act of 2007, H.R. 121. As the only original co-sponsor of this legislation, I have worked diligently with Congressman Doyle to move the components of this legislation forward and am pleased that the language of this legislation was included in a larger energy efficiency bill that was passed by the House and signed into law by the President.

The improved energy security of our country will depend heavily on the pursuit of renewable and alternative energies. We are fortunate to have such unique surroundings in Riverside County that allow us to be a leader in this area. From solar power, to wind, geothermal, biomass, and biofuel production, our region of southern California is equipped with the tools to contribute greatly to the future of our economy's energy needs.

Clean energies, ranging from the ones mentioned above to nuclear and hydropower, are all being considered in both the U.S. House and U.S. Senate. For this reason, I have continually looked to support legislation that can help expand the availability and use of such energies.  The Securing America's Energy Independence Act, H.R. 550, of which I was a cosponsor, will make helpful changes to the investment tax credit so that we can expand the ability for our economy to continue to invest in both our nation's solar potential as well as fuel cell technologies. I also look forward to continued work in the hydrogen fuel cell field locally, so that we can expand research being done at the University of California Riverside and increase usage of the impressive technologies that result in emissions of pure water from various modes of transportation.

It is my belief that Congress should focus on improving the research and development essential to improving our energy usage and emissions, while avoiding negatively affecting the price for consumers. This is especially important for those living in our community, given the high energy needs that our area experiences during the summer.

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Cooling Tips

1. Keep air conditioner filters clean. Air conditioner filters should be cleaned or replaced once a month during use.
2. Maintain unobstructed airflow around vents and filters.
3. Maintain 78ºF (26ºC). For every degree you lower the temperature, the energy costs rise by 6 percent. A temperature setting of 75ºF (24ºC) costs 18 percent more; a 72ºF (22ºC) setting costs 36 percent more.
4. Use a programmable thermostat. No need to run the air conditioner when no one is home. Set timers to have the air conditioning come on 30 minutes before anyone arrives home.
5. Keep doors closed. Enter and exit your home quickly to keep cooled air in the house.
6. Install a ceiling fan in rooms that are used often. Occupants feel as cool under a ceiling fan at 82ºF (28ºC) as in 77ºF (25ºC) still air.
7. Insulation is important. Make sure your home has the appropriate amount of insulation in walls, attics and crawl spaces.
8. Open windows at night. To take advantage of naturally cool night air when possible.
9. Plant deciduous shade trees. Shade trees absorb radiant heat before it warms your house, and planting trees helps clean the air, too.

1. Maintain the right temperature in your refrigerator and freezer. Refrigerators can use up to 20 percent of the total electricity in your home. The refrigerator should be set between 38ºF (3ºC) and 42ºF (6ºC). The freezer should be set between 0ºF (-31ºC) and 5ºF (-26ºC).
2. Keep them full. A full refrigerator takes less energy than an empty one. Fill extra space with gallon jugs of water placed in the back of both the freezer and refrigerator.
3. Clean the condenser coils. Dust and pet hair can build up and cause the refrigerator motor to work harder. Clean them at least twice a year. The coils are located on the bottom or the back side of most models.
4. The doors should close tightly and stay closed. Check the seals for cracks or worn areas. If there are any, replace them.
5. Open the refrigerator door as little as possible. Every time the door opens, warm air rushes in.
6. Let food cool. Don't place hot or even warm food directly inside the refrigerator. Let it cool first.
7. Always cover everything. Humidity escapes from uncovered foods. The compressor must work harder to remove the excess humidity.
8. Defrost food in the refrigerator. Instead of defrosting food on the counter where it may spoil, place it in the refrigerator 24 hours before you need it. This will help keep the temperature down in the refrigerator while it thaws.
9. Replace appliances with energy-efficient models. When old models wear out, replace them with appliances that have earned the Energy Star label.
10. Use microwaves for most cooking. A microwave does small and medium cooking jobs more efficiently than an oven or range top.
11. Choose the right pan for the job. When using the range top, remember to match the pan with the similar sized heating element.
12. Use all appliances wisely. TVs, radios, computers and vacuum cleaners use relatively small amounts of electricity. But they add up. Don't leave on appliances when they are not in use.
13. Wash only full loads in the dishwasher.
14. Wash clothes in cold water. Use cold temperature detergents, and always have a full load. Also, 15 minutes of presoaking and 5 minutes of agitation get clothes cleaner than 15 minutes of agitation.
15. Don't over-dry clothes in the dryer. Consider using drying clothes racks in the house or resurrect grandmother's clothesline outside during nice weather.

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Lighting Tips

1. Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs in light fixtures used the most. The normal incandescent bulbs we're all used to are not very energy efficient. Compact fluorescent bulbs use about 25 percent of the energy and can last 10 times as long.
2. Turn off unnecessary lighting. Get in the habit of turning off the light when you leave a room.
3. Use outdoor motion detectors and timers where appropriate. Instead of leaving outdoor lights on all night, let these handy devices turn them on when they detect motion. Position the sensor carefully to avoid false triggering. With motion detectors, use the lowest wattage incandescent bulb that will do the job. If security is a concern, leave a low-wattage porch light on all night.
4. Use low-wattage CFLs where applicable. For example, bright lights are rarely necessary in closets and hallways. Switch to low-wattage CFLs and save some energy.
5. Dust off light bulbs. Dirty, greasy, smoky light bulbs can reduce light output by as much as 10 percent. Dust bulbs and lenses regularly. (Make sure they are cool before touching them.) You'll avoid the tendency of switching to a higher wattage bulb, which will use more energy.
6. Remove unnecessary lighting. Use only the number of bulbs needed to light an area. In track lighting, three bulbs can usually do the same job as four if they are positioned accurately.
7. Use light from windows. Natural light is more efficient than electric, not to mention free. When you're not frolicking in your pajamas, leave the curtains open.
8. Paint and decorate in light colors. Dark colors absorb light. Light colors reflect light. The lighter the colors, the less artificial lighting is required to illuminate the area.
9. Use timers when on vacation. Not only will it save energy when lights are on timers, but burglars and prowlers will have no idea that you're in the Bahamas basking in the sun. Set your timer to turn lights on and off at different times on different days. Your home looks more lived in this way.
10. Install dimmers in areas where dimmed lighting makes sense, like the dining room.
11. Check your lamp shades. Many shades are decorative but absorb light or reflect it in the wrong direction. Consider switching to a more efficient shade in a lighter color.
12. Use task lighting. If you're working specifically at a desk or workbench, other light in the room could be turned off or dimmed.

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Workplace Tips

1. Switch to energy-efficient compact fluorescent lamps. They use about 25 percent as much energy and can last ten times longer, saving energy and replacement labor. Add occupancy sensors in rooms that are not occupied constantly, such as conference rooms, lunchrooms and restooms.
2. Remove excess lights. Many buildings have more lighting then needed. In some areas, half the light may be sufficient. When removing excess fluorescent tubes, remember to disconnect the ballasts that serve them.
3. Install separate switches for smaller areas. Some businesses have dozens of lights controlled by a single switch, and not all are needed at the same time. Have an electrician rewire lights into smaller groups on independent switches.
4. Keep the heating and cooling to a minimum. Heating and cooling accounts for half of the total energy use in office buildings. Request the heat set at 65ºF (18ºC) and the air conditioning at 76ºF (24ºC), and use a programmable thermostat to set back the temperature at night, on weekends and holidays.
5. Shut computers off at night. A computer or printer can use over 100 watts of power. When replacing computers, purchase new energy-efficient models that use less energy.
6. Fax and copy only when really necessary.
7. Keep heating vents unobstructed.
8. Open freight doors only when needed. As soon as a delivery is complete, close the doors to conserve energy.
9. Use rotating doors. When a choice is available, use rotating doors instead of standard hinged or sliding doors. They allow less heat and air conditioning to escape.
10. Turn off elevators. On the weekend, in the evening or during holidays a minimum number of elevators likely will be adequate. Turn off extra elevators for annual savings.
11. Replace burned-out motors with energy-efficient models. Retrofit building pump and fan motors with variable frequency drives when possible.

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