Energy Conservation

Energy costs have increased, but we can do something about it. BHA launched a massive Energy Conservation Initiative – designed to significantly cut energy costs throughout BHA’s developments. The initiative includes window caulking, new light fixtures, anad energy efficient refrigerators, as well as new roofs and boilers at BHA’s larger complexes.

BHA is busy implementing all aspects of this widespread and important Initiative, but we need your help to make it a success. BHA’s ability to pay for these improvements depends on each and every person making efforts to conserve energy. Please be especially mindful of water use. Turn off faucets when not in use and use water wisely. If we all work together to cut down our water consumption and other energy costs, it will have a positive impact on the environment and our own lives, as it allows BHA to save money for other site improvements and resident services.

Conserving energy is easy and it pays off. Below, BHA has compiled some everyday tips to help you conserve energy and save money. Visit uinet.com for more energy saving tips. The savings add up and will make a difference. Click here for information on the UI Helps Program, a service that can save you money on your electric bill every month.

Heating Tips

• Plug leaks around windows, doors, ducts, pipes and electrical outlets with caulking and weather-stripping. Insulating window films are also an inexpensive way to help seal drafty old windows.
• In the winter, keep blinds or drapes open on sun-exposed windows during the day and closed at night to conserve heat.
• Keep doors and windows closed as much as possible. This includes closet doors and rooms not in use.
• Be sure furniture and drapes don’t block the air flow from the floor vent.
• Set thermostat 68 degrees, 2-3 degrees lower if you'll be away from the house for several hours.
• Use warm clothes, blankets, etc. to feel warmer.
• Use ceiling fans ("backwards") to circulate warm air down from the ceiling.

Cooling Tips

• Set thermostat at 78-80 degrees, 2-3 degrees higher if you'll be away from the house for several hours.
• Turn off your air conditioner when no one is home.
• Close your drapes and shades to keep the sun out.
• Use room fans or ceiling fans instead of air-conditioning.
• Turn off fans when room is unoccupied.
• Replace filter in air conditioning unit at least once a month.
• Turn off all unnecessary lights and appliances - they add heat to your home.
• Do cooking and other heat producing chores during cooler parts of the day (morning or evening).
• Turn off exhaust fans after use.

Lights

• Replace your incandescent light bulbs with new compact fluorescent (CFLs), which use 75 percent less energy.
• Use the lowest wattage bulbs, except for reading.
• Keep bulbs and fixtures clean.
• Turn off lights when rooms are empty.
• Turn off lights during the day.
• Put lights in corners of rooms so light reflects off two walls.
• Use task lighting over desks, tables and workbenches rather than lighting the whole area.
• Take advantage of natural light whenever possible. Keep windows clean and unobstructed.

Water

• Save water costs by turning off the tap when you shave, wash or brush your teeth.
• Turn off the hot water tap each time you rinse dishes, or better yet - scrape, don't rinse. Letting the tap run wastes up to 30 gallons per meal.

Appliances

• Turn off computers, monitors, stereos, radios and all other electronics when not in use (Even when turned off, CD players in the U.S. consume enough energy in one year to power the Las Vegas Strip for six months).  
• Surf the Internet later at night or during early morning hours when the demand for electricity is lower.
• Unplug chargers when not in use.

Oven and Range

• Don't line oven racks with foil. It blocks heat flow and makes the oven work harder to cook food.
• Put a lid on a pot to boil water. The water boils faster and you'll use less energy.
• Pre-heat the oven only when necessary.
• Bake more than one item at a time so you can use one and freeze the other.
• When baking, limit the number of times you open the oven door.
• Don't use your oven to heat the kitchen. It not only wastes energy, it's dangerous.
• When cooking vegetables, a small amount of water in a covered pan is more effective than a large amount.
• Allow frozen meats to thaw completely before cooking. A frozen roast placed directly into the oven without thawing will require one-third more cooking time.
• A microwave or toaster will use less energy than a full-size, so use these when you can.

Refrigerator

• Liquids should be covered. Moisture is drawn from uncovered liquids, forcing your refrigerator's "no-frost" unit to work harder.
• If your refrigerator has steel racks, don't cover them with paper or foil. Doing so will reduce the flow ofcold air.
• Don't overload! Cool air should be allowed to circulate around each container.
• Try to keep the refrigerator door open no longer than necessary. Be sure to close the door when you're through.
• Let food cool before putting it in the refrigerator so the refrigerator does not use energy unnecessarily.

UI Helps Program

If you are a fixed to low income residential customer of UI, the UI Helps Program can provide energy-saving products and services for your home, at no cost. All income-eligible customers can have energy-efficient compact fluorescent lighting installed in their homes, and you may qualify for other services such as water efficiency product installation or weatherization. UI Helps may also provide evaluations of old, customer-owned refrigerators or window room air conditioners in the event they can be replaced with energy-efficient models.

This program can really make a difference on your energy bill, so call the number below if you believe you may be eligible.

For more information please call 1-877-WISE USE.