Conserve With Your Co-op on Earth Day

imgorthand | iStock.com

Earth Day is considered one of the world’s largest civic events, and on April 22 we can all be part of this global movement to help the environment.

A portion of the energy that Bandera Electric Cooperative distributes to our members comes from renewable energy sources, and conservation is important to us. There are many ways we as individuals can help the environment, and some are easier than you’d think. Here are a few simple actions you can take now to reduce your energy use.

Audit your light bulbs. Swapping out any remaining incandescent bulbs with LEDs can make a big difference in a home’s efficiency, and it’s one of the easiest ways to reduce your energy bill.

Maintain your heating and air conditioning system. Regularly replace your air filters to allow your system to run more efficiently. Air filters prevent dust and allergens from clogging the system, and changing the filters makes the unit run more efficiently—keeping your home cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.

Examine your smart or programmable thermostat. Make sure it’s programmed for the current season and family schedule. This is one of the best tools at your fingertips, but it can only do its job correctly if it’s programmed properly and adjusted periodically to keep pace with changes in household routines.

Seal window and door seals. Seal leaks with weatherstripping and caulk to keep cool air indoors during warm months and prevent cold air from penetrating the indoors during colder months. Sealing gaps around piping, dryer vents, fans and outlets also helps to seal the building’s envelope and increase energy efficiency.

Audit your home's energy use. BEC offers a DIY energy audit online for members to quickly identify areas for improvement. The DIY online audit is also the first step of BEC's Energy Saver program, which includes a home energy audit to identify inefficiencies in your home or business. Qualifying energy improvements can be made with zero-down, interest-free, on-bill financing through the program and saves members an average of $24 per month on their electric bill. Learn more at BanderaElectric.com/EnergySaver.

Although some of these suggestions may not be glamorous or worthy of a news story, they do make a difference. And BEC is always here to help if you want more information on how you can save energy. Stop by our office, or give us a call.

As we celebrate Earth Day this April, let’s continue to work together and make a positive impact on our local community—and our beautiful planet. Find more energy-saving tips at BanderaElectric.com/EnergyTips.