TOPEKA - Wednesday, October 2 is Kansas Energy Efficiency Day. Governor Laura Kelly signed a proclamation joining hundreds of state and local governments in a national day of awareness about the benefits of energy efficiency.

As cold weather approaches, the Kansas Corporation Commission (KCC) wants to remind Kansans this is a great time to winterize your home or business. There are many no or low cost ways to save energy and utility costs. For larger projects, funding is available to help those who qualify.

Homeowners and renters, who need assistance with weatherization costs, can contact the Kansas Housing Resources Corporation (KHRC).  Income-eligible households receive a comprehensive home energy audit to identify inefficiencies. Services and upgrades are provided free of charge.

There is also help available for small business owners and agricultural producers in towns with a population of less than 50,000. The KCC Energy Office, in conjunction with the Kansas State University Engineering Extension, is offering a free energy assessment and assistance applying for a USDA Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grant to help pay for improvements. More information on REAP grants is available here. 

In observance of Energy Efficiency Day, here are ten things Kansans can do now to reduce energy usage and save money this winter. 

1. Adjust the temperature
   Don’t waste money heating an empty home. Install a programmable thermostat and schedule your home’s heat to lower when you are away or asleep, and increase when you are returning home or waking-up. The U.S. Department of Energy recommends setting your thermostat at 68 degrees in the winter.
2. Lower water heating costs
   According to the U.S. Department of Energy, water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your home. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recommends setting your water heater at no more than 120 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent scalding. The lower setting will also conserve energy and save money.
3. Seal leaks
   On average, heating and cooling account for almost half of a home’s energy consumption. In fact, all the little leaks can be equivalent to leaving open a 3-foot-by-3-foot window. Take simple steps like caulking windows, sealing leaks around chimneys and recessed lighting, and sliding draft guards under your doors to save up to 20% on heating costs.
4. Maintain your HVAC system
   Make sure to clean or change HVAC filters regularly. A dirty filter will slow down air flow, making the system work harder to keep you warm and cost you more money.
5. Harness your windows for heating
   Keep your window treatments open during the day to let in natural sunlight, which can help warm up your home.
6. Reverse your ceiling fans
   In the winter, reverse the direction of your ceiling fans to clockwise in order to move warm air from the ceiling to the living levels of the space.
7. Clean clothes and dishes efficiently
   A washing machine spends 90% of its energy to heat water. Consider using cold water instead. In addition, try to run full loads as much as possible, because the machine uses roughly the same amount of energy regardless of the load size. Avoid the “rinse hold” cycle when using the dishwasher and skip heated drying – simply open the door at the end of the washing cycle and let the dishes air dry.
8. Make the switch to LED
   LEDs last at least 25 times longer and consume up to 90 percent less electricity than incandescent bulbs. By switching five of your home’s most frequently used bulbs with ENERGY STAR® certified LEDs, it’s possible to save $75 on energy costs annually.
9. Turn electronics off
   Too often we forget and leave electronics plugged in that are not in use. Turn off unnecessary/idle lights, appliances and electronics. A power strip can help turn off multiple items at once.
10. Make use of available tax credits
    According to the IRS, if you made qualified energy-efficient improvements to your home after Jan. 1, 2023, you may qualify for a tax credit up to $3,200. You can claim the credit for improvements made through 2032. Visit IRS.gov for complete details.

A shareable flyer containing the energy saving tips shown above is available here.