Question: What are some easy ways that people can cut back on energy use and save on their electrical bill?
Answer: There are lot of ways you can reduce energy use with good common sense, (such as) walking around and being aware of what is using power and looking to see if the power needs to be on at the particular time.
The simplest way is to turn the lights off when you don’t need them. Most of the day my lights are not on. If you have an office that is lit adequately from outside sunshine, you don’t need the bright lights.
If you are walking around the house, or you put your hand on some device and it’s warm, you need to ask yourself, "Does this need to be on?" Usually the answer is no.
With an electric water heater, reducing your shower time by two minutes can save you about $56 per person per year in electricity costs. Wash your clothes with cold water instead of hot water in your Energy Star washing machine. You can save about $50 a year. If you hang your clothes to dry instead of using a dryer, you can save $70 or more.
Lighting has always been a big factor in energy reduction. Lighting is the key thing you start with.
If you still have old lighting such as incandescents, you need to seriously think about going to (light-emitting diode) LEDs. They are cost-effective now, and they last for a long time. That’s a big one.
Q: What is the energy reduction for switching to LEDs?
A: The reduction has gone from a 100-watt light bulb just a few years ago to about 10 watts for an LED. That’s a 90 percent drop.
Q: How can residents save money on their electrical bills this holiday season?
A: Starting Nov. 24 we are offering two energy-saving kits. You can choose from a free home energy kit, upgrade and purchase the $10 home energy kit, or get both.
The free home energy kit contains three energy-efficient LED A19 bulbs. With the kit you can save about $15 per year on your electrical bill. The bulbs in the kit are used in many common household fixtures such as desk lamps and wall lighting.
By recycling a refrigerator or freezer, residents on Oahu can save about $250 annually on their energy costs. Refrigerators and freezers built prior to 1993 can be two to three times more expensive to operate than a new Energy Star model.
With our Rid-A-Fridge program, we provide free curbside pickup and proper recycling of your old, second working refrigerators or freezers. You also get a rebate: $50 for Oahu or $65 for Big Island and Maui.
Q: What are ways residents can save energy while keeping cool during the holidays?
A: Give your AC a vacation by leaving it off. If you need to stay cool, consider an efficient ceiling fan. Get a $35 rebate when you buy an Energy Star ceiling fan with a light kit. You can save about $18 a month by using one versus a window AC.
For those no-tradewind days when AC is a must, trade up to a new Energy Star model. We offer a $50 rebate for qualifying units and will recycle the old working one for free. You can save about $67 per year on your electrical bill.
Q: What can residents and businesses do to learn more about their energy usage and how to save money on their electrical bills?
A: For the first time, we are offering online portal access for home energy reports to all Hawaii, Honolulu and Maui county residents. The tool offers personalized energy insights and recommendations to help you take control of your energy use and save money on electrical bills. Helpful tips range from behavioral changes such as reducing water heating temperature to investment ideas.
