Not so bright lights

With the increase of energy bills, people ask us advice about converting to alternative energy when they learn we live with solar and wind power. Their eyes cross when we suggest they practice energy conservation first. We use alternative energy because we have no choice. The grid isn't close enough for us to hook onto it. We conserve energy out of habits we established to extend the life of our equipment prior to moving to the ranch. Those habits cost us $60 per month in utility bills back then, compared to $150 to $300 per month utility bills of our neighbors. We all lived in trailer houses of similar age, size, and configuration. The structural differences were very subtle. It was our habits that made the difference in the pocket book.

First, we replaced all the incandescent light bulbs with flourescent ones. They may be more expensive but they last longer. The Department of Energy estimates a 12 % reduction in electric bills just by switching to flourescent lights. And all lights in unoccupied rooms were turned off. The hardest part of developing this habit was making sure the room was unoccupied first.

The thermostat was set on 68 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees in the summer. If we were chilled, we would add a layer of clothing. If we were hot, we would remove a layer.

Insulated curtains made a big difference. Heat exchange through trailer windows was a big drain on the pocket book. Using the curtains as a means of temperature control can be tricky during the spring and fall with sudden temperature changes, but summer and winter use are pretty straight forward. In the winter, the drapes are open during the day and closed at night to keep the heat where it does the most good. It's just the opposite in summer; open at night and closed during the day.

Placing bulky furniture and bookcases against exterior walls increases the R-value of the insulation. Thicker walls means less heat transfer, which translates into lower utility bills.

We were never big fans of television. We prefer reading or talking to each other, so our TV wasn't on much. We gave it away once we got to the ranch. And we don't miss it.

Since moving to the ranch, we have propane appliances rather than electric -- with the exception of the clothes dryer, which drys by wind and solar power. There are energy efficient models of refrigerator and freezers out there and the prices are comparable to propane appliances. It's just that we don't need, or want, all the bells and whistles that come with the electric models.

Using wood and coal for heat during the winter doesn't cost us much. We live at the edge of a pinyon-juniper forest. Live trees are carefully pruned as a fire control measure while dead ones are removed to reduce the risk of fire by lightning strike. The wood is stacked and allowed to cure for winter use. Coal costs $50 per ton, which will last us 2 years.

If you are serious about cutting your energy costs, practice energy conservation for a while. You will need to develop the habits anyway if you decide to go with alternative energy. The transition is easier if the habits are already in place. As a dated saying goes, "Try it. You'll like it."