ASK THE EXPERT

When it comes to conserving energy, I've heard conflicting suggestions -- one theory holds that lights should be turned off in a room every time the room is vacated, while another says it takes more energy to repeatedly turn that light off and on than to just leave it on. What's correct?

"The cost effectiveness of turning lights on and off depends on the type of bulb," explains an article on the subject from Entergy's Solutions Plus online newsletter.

Incandescent bulbs are very inefficient and should be turned off whenever they are not needed, the article explains. On the other hand, compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) are extremely efficient and their lifespan is affected by the number of times they are turned on and off. The rule of thumb according to energy.gov is leave CFLs on when vacating a room for 15 minutes or fewer.

"While the CFLs cost more up front, in the long run, they cost less. And through the Entergy Solutions program, we've removed some of the initial cost by paying for discounts at participating retailers," said Richard Smith, Entergy's energy efficiency program manager.

Evolving technology has made shopping for light bulbs a complicated and daunting task, with confused consumers pondering the watts versus lumens. What are they and what is the difference between the two?

Watts represent the level of power being used while lumens measure the amount of light, explains Entergy in its newsletter. Energy-efficient lights, such as CFLs and LEDs, offer more lumens per watt than conventional bulbs, and lumens matter the most. Meanwhile, "watt equivalent" comparisons listed on the bulb packages will help guide consumers searching for the proper bulb for their fixture.

Another question people ask is what is the ideal temperature for setting heating and cooling thermostats to remain comfortable but also save energy.

"In winter, the U.S. Department of Energy recommends a temperature setting of 68 degrees when you are at home and a lower setting at night or when you are away," explains Entergy in its newsletter article. "In summer, set the thermostat at 78 to stay comfortable when you are

at home, and raise it to 85 to save energy when your home is unoccupied."

And while residents might be tempted to do so, closing or covering up vents that carry the warm or cool air throughout the home is not a good way to help lower cooling or heating costs.

"Heating and cooling systems are balanced through the duct system; closing vents throws the system off balance," the Entergy article explains. "Pressure can build up in the duct work, causing leakage and reducing the amount of air circulating in your home."

"While the complicated questions are important to consider, there are several simple unambiguous steps everyone ought to take: Wrap your water heater in an insulating blanket; plug the air leaks around windows with caulk and around doors with weather stripping; in the summer use fans with air conditioning and close shades on the sunny side of the house to block out direct sunlight," says Entergy Arkansas customer service representative Barney Freeman.

While insulation is one of the most effective methods for lowering energy costs and making a residence more comfortable, many homeowners aren't sure how much of it their own home requires.

The answer to that question can be found through the U.S. Department of Energy's ZIP Code Insulation Calculator which offers recommendations for insulation based on local climates. A more detailed assessment can be gathered by hiring an energy auditor or insulation contractor to evaluate the residence and offer advice on insulation needs.

What is more cost-effective -- handwashing dinner dishes or running the dishwasher? Surprisingly, the dishwasher can offer energy and water savings, the Entergy article explains.

"Cleaning a typical load of dishes in a dishwasher uses 37 percent less water than cleaning them by hand," according to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, "saving the average household 5,000 gallons of water per year and up to $40 per year in water heating costs."

"We have tons of tips at entergy.com. Just click on the 'Lower Your Bill ' button at the bottom of the page. We encourage everyone to use energy wisely," Freeman said.

Do you have a decorating or remodeling question? We'll get you an answer from an authority. Send your question to Linda S. Haymes, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, Ark. 72203 or email:

[email protected]

HomeStyle on 06/07/2014

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