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Community Corner

How to Save Energy and Money

Topics at a City Hall workshop include tankless water heaters and green home remodeling.

Even Hermosa Beach Mayor Michael DiVirgilio shared energy-saving tips as a small crowd of about 15 residents gathered at City Hall on Monday night to hear a presentation about how to be energy efficient while also saving money.

The South Bay Environmental Services Center organized the 90-minute workshop that included discussions on which light bulbs to install in your home and the pros and cons of tankless water heaters. 

Recently, the city commissioned a Green Task Force charged with creating a sustainability plan and advising the City Council about structuring a water and building ordinance, as well as recommendations on trash and transportation issues.

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"What's most critical is managing resources and maximizing efficiency," DiVirgilio told attendees.

The mayor said that he and his wife have personally made enough energy-saving improvements to their two-bedroom home that their typical electric bill is $10 to $15. In the winter, with added computer and television use, it might climb as high as $18.

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Many residents at the presentation said they were interested in hearing about ways to pay for such home improvements.

"The most significant thing I learned was the different rebate programs available," said Jack Bomkamp, a Redondo Beach resident.

For example, Southern California Edison offers $50 to haul away an old refrigerator or freezer. The company also offers a summer discount of up to $200, each season, for residents who allow the company to turn off their air conditioning unit during peak hours.

The South Bay Environmental Services Center's Carmen Oliver, who delivered Monday's presentation, emphasized the importance and value of buying appliances with the Energy Star label. She said that the labeled products are better for the environment and will save the user money.

The downside is a higher initial cost, but the savings over time will pay off, Oliver said.

A washing machine with the Energy Star label will draw more moisture out of clothes during the spin cycle so shorter dryer times will be needed.

Oliver also suggested that residents weatherstrip and insulate their homes and turn off ceiling fans when leaving a room.

Residents made the point that when a house is sealed to prevent heat loss, it's even more important not to use toxic cleaning chemicals in the home, as the fumes will linger.

Ramon Pratt, a Hermosa Beach resident, recently finished a major remodeling of his home, including installing a tankless water heater. Although some people may question the added cost and extra electrical capacity required for such a purchase, Pratt said it's much less expensive to operate day to day.

"There are no downsides to any home improvement which is designed to increase energy efficiency and the functionality of the home," he said.

A tankless water heater heats water when someone turns on hot water in the house. There's a little lag time before the hot water is available with the tankless system. A typical hot water heater keeps a tank of warm water ready for use at any time.

Other useful tips presented:

  • Compact fluorescent bulbs typically result in 75 percent savings in energy
  • Putting hot foods directly into the refrigerator eats up energy as does not wrapping foods stored in the fridge
  • Energy Star clothes dryers use a moisture sensor to automatically turn off

The state of California offers a cash-for-appliances program.  Information is available at www.cash4appliances.org. Federal tax credits are available for home improvements as well, with more information at energystar.gov/taxcredits.

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