Electricity

    • Habits
      • Do you really need a powered item – can you perform the task as well manually?  Neither batteries or all those digital clocks/lights are benign.  Challenge yourself to unplug!
      • Watch for energy vampires -etc
      • Shave the peak option 1 on site
      • Shave the peak option 2 – under separate cover
      • Open and close blinds, shades and drapes in response to the weather and time of day.  Close them to keep maintain indoor temperatures an increase energy efficiency and open them to let in the sun when you want to be warm.  
      • Use the dryer sparingly or not at all. Hang clothes to dry and humidify your house at the same time in winter.  Look for a used drying rack. If allergies are not a problem, dry things outdoors when it is warm.  When using your dryer, choose the low temperature setting on your dryer and use dryer balls instead of fabric softener.  These wool balls have natural lanolin for softening clothes, reduce drying time and energy use, last for hundreds of washes, eliminate exposure to chemicals from other fabric softeners, and save money
    • Purchase
      • Save $ and CO2 with Westford’s Community Aggregation Program: Westford POP (Power Options Program), Sign up, and Opt Up, today.  Use your electricity dollars to green the grid.
    • Conserve
      • Consider if you really need a powered item – can you perform the task as well manually?  Neither batteries or all those digital clocks/lights are benign.  Challenge yourself to unplug!
      • Watch for energy vampires: those devices that are always on. Use power supplies and turn off all audio visual and computer hardware at the power supply when not in use.  This is a good defense against hacking as well!
      • Shave the peak!  This idea is promoted most in the summer, when heat waves make the grid vulnerable to brown and black outs, however, the concept applies year round.  Utilities will add dirtier forms of energy production to their mix when demand is high, so your electricity becomes less clean. When possible, time your energy use to off peak times and help keep the grid “clean”.  
      • Buy Energy Star rated appliances
      • Take advantage of MassSave Rebates on qualifying purchases
      • Take advantage of MassSave Programs. Start with a free energy audit and move on to weatherization/insulation, heating and cooling, lighting, renovation or building projects. 
      • Consider additional state and federal tax credits for qualifying windows, doors and other items that tighten your home’s envelope.
    • Convert from gas to electric 
      • Washers
      • Dryers
      • Ovens/ranges
      • Small engines – lawn and garden maintenance and snow removal equipment
    • Make your own