Recycle Utah

Nonprofit Summit County, Utah Recycling Center

#energy efficiency

A/C Efficiency Tips

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Summer is here, and with Utah’s trend of record-breaking temperatures, it’s bound to be a hot one. The warmer it gets, the more we rely on energy intensive, fossil fuel burning AC units to cool our homes and buildings. It is estimated that up to 6% of all energy use comes from air conditioners alone, releasing around 100 million tons of carbon dioxide into the air each year.

So, what are some ways to limit AC usage and improve overall efficiency to reduce environmental impact? The first thing you can do is think about replacing your older unit with something more energy efficient, which will not only help reduce individual emissions but also significantly lower the cost of your energy bill. Evaporative or swamp coolers, for example, are often more efficient than traditional air conditioners. If your unit isn’t in need of an upgrade, behavioral actions, like keeping the temperature higher on your AC, can also save energy.

If you’re looking for ways to reduce your overall need for air conditioning, improving your home’s insulation and sealing around windows can help keep cool air circulating indoors. Before turning on your AC, try using fans with ice in front of them, or using window “tuning” to improve airflow. Keeping shades and curtains closed or putting in solar screens can further reduce AC usage. The best part about finding ways to be energy efficient is that it’s a win for both the environment and your wallet!

By Olivia Beckstead

Switch to Smart Power Strips

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As peoples’ offices have moved from corporate buildings to their living rooms, power strips have become a household staple. These appliances allow you to power your multiple devices simultaneously, but they can also be responsible for excessive energy use. Phantom loads explain the idea that energy is being used when a device is plugged in, even when powered off. These phantom loads account for 5-10% of the average household’s energy consumption.

People tend to leave their devices plugged in for longer when they use power strips, but is the added convenience worth wasting energy? Though power strips use less energy than direct outlets, there is still a better option. Rather than trying to remember to unplug your devices at every work break, let smart power strips do heavy lifting. These devices sense when an appliance’s power consumption decreases and shuts of the electricity streaming from that specific outlet. Surge detectors and motion detectors are now integrated into some smart power strips to simplify your use even further. These devices typically cost around $30, just a fraction of the potential gain you will see through reduced energy bills over time.

Smart power strips should be in any outlet that powers a device that is responsible for a high degree of phantom loads or multiple devices. Some devices responsible for high energy consumption include televisions, video game consoles, desktop computers, printers, and phone chargers. Avoid lofty energy bills while simultaneously helping the environment by opting for this affordable alternative to conventional power strips.

By Lauren Allen

Energy Efficient Cooking

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While we should consider the waste we create while cooking, we must look at the energy we consume as well. Energy efficiency is key when it comes to our appliances, for the sake of our bill, health, and environment. Gas stoves release methane, a harmful Greenhouse gas, affecting the air quality within your house. The EPA recommends using an exhaust fan when cooking with a gas stove or switching to an electric stove that has the Energy Star seal of approval.

However, we also must think of our own actions when cooking. There are many steps we can take before and during cooking that will reduce the amount of energy we use and the emissions we release. This includes preparing your food before cooking, so it’s ready when the heat is on. Also be sure to use proper cooking tools for the amount of food you’re cooking. Smaller appliances, like toasters and electric kettles, may be more applicable. Your cookware is just as important. Copper bottomed pans heat up faster and glass/ceramic pans allow you to decrease your oven’s temperature by 25°F. Put a lid on your pot. It lets you set a lower temperature, decreasing energy use by up to 66%. Don’t peek at those cookies – opening the oven door can drop the temperature 25°F every time.

Sustainability in cooking is not as difficult as we think. Making simple changes can make a dramatic difference in your energy bill, as well as the health of yourself and the environment.

By Anna Duffy