New kit allows homeowners to test for power efficiency

TVA and local power distributors are kicking off the new year by providing a free energy efficiency kit, while supplies last, to every Tennessee Valley consumer who completes a do-it-yourself home energy audit beginning this month.

The offer is part of TVA’s effort to help inform the public about energy efficiency while providing tools consumers can use now to start saving energy in addition to money on their electric bills.

“Using power more efficiently is an important part of meeting the future energy needs in the Tennessee Valley and reducing growth in power demand to help keep electric rates affordable,” said TVA Vice President of Energy Efficiency and Demand Response Joe Hoagland. “The do-it-yourself audits are designed to help consumers learn how efficient their homes currently are and what they can do to be more efficient. One month’s electric bill and about 20 minutes are all Valley residents need to complete the audit and start saving money with their free energy efficiency kit.”

This month, TVA met two all-time winter records for electricity consumption in the Valley. In August, TVA met 13 all-time summer records for power demand during a record-breaking heat wave. TVA’s highest periods of consumer power demand have been growing nearly 2 percent a year. When power demand is at its peak, TVA often pays four or five times normal costs for additional power.

Residents may take a home energy audit by going to the Energy Right web site or by requesting a copy of the audit from their local power distributor. Consumers who complete the audit will receive a free home energy efficiency kit to help them get started, and a personalized energy profile report illustrating their home’s overall energy use and costs and listing specific actions they can take to reduce energy bills now and in the future.

Murfreesboro Electric Department's marketing expert Amy Byers said this week the response to the program has so far been positive but if resident are interested in the audit but don't have access to the Internet, she will mail a survey to them if they call her at 893-5514 and provide an address.

Consumers who use all of the contents in the energy efficiency kits could see a savings ranging from $2 to $4 on monthly power bills, depending on their individual energy use. If residents follow all of the recommendations from the audit, they could save as much as 20 percent on monthly power bills.

Each kit includes a comprehensive “How to Save” brochure and two compact fluorescent light bulbs that use 75 percent less electricity and last 10 times longer than traditional light bulbs.

The kit also includes:

• A filter whistle that sounds when the heating or cooling system filter is 80 percent clogged and needs to be changed
• Outlet and light switch gaskets – insulation to help stop drafts and save energy
• Faucet aerators (two) – water-saving filters that improve efficiency
• Hot water temperature card that measures temperature of hot tap water and indicates if thermostat adjustment is needed to save money and prevent water scalds.

Energy use thermometer gauge that helps check energy costs for heating and cooling. Each degree thermostats are set back eight hours a day can reduce heating bills by as much as 3 percent, and up to 5 percent on cooling bills.

As part of its strategic plan, TVA will work with local power distributors and Valley stakeholders in the coming months to develop new and expanded energy efficiency and demand reduction products, services and initiatives for consumers, business and industry.

Currently, TVA partners with power distributors to offer the energy right Program, which is designed to help Valley residents improve the energy-efficiency of their homes and businesses. Information on energy efficient technologies, cost-saving tips, an energy resource library and do-it-yourself cost comparisons are available at energyright.com.

Energy-saving information for students is available at www.tvakids.com.