Program offered to help families lower energy use

It’s one thing to read that you can save money by saving energy at home. But actually doing this may not always be as simple as it sounds, as some families may not know where to start, what they need or where to get more info. That’s why Community Action Partnership, which provides multiple services to Kootenai County residents, is offering a program this fall to help low-income families and individuals reduce energy use through no-cost or low-cost personal choices and home improvement. “I don’t like to pay high energy bills or use more resources than necessary,” says Mike Wood, Community Action Partnership education specialist, who is teaching the “You Have The Power” program. These started in September at local libraries and community centers. They have been scheduled into November, and more may be scheduled for later this fall. Wood began working for Community Action Partnership in August, but has been personally interested in energy efficiency for a long time. He received a degree in Resource Recreation and Tourism, with a minor in communications from the University of Idaho, “One of the problems I see with our nation’s Green movement is that in many ways it overlooks the perspective of the low income members of our society,” says Wood. For example, Wood says most of us have been told that the new compact fluorescent light bulbs use less energy than older incandescent bulbs, so we’re seeing more people change incandescent bulbs to CFLs before their incandescent bulbs burn out. What happens to the still functional incandescent bulbs? “From personal experience, I have found that many are donated to thrift stores where those struggling to survive pick them up for a reduced cost and start using them at a greater cost,” says Wood. During the class, he’ll display the three common types of bulbs: incandescent, CFL, and Light Emitting Diode (LED), and attach them to a meter. That way, participants have a visible demonstration and comparison of how much energy each uses. But bulbs, which average only about 12 percent of an average’s home energy use, won’t be the only focus of the class. Wood said about half of the program will be spent discussing ways to cut down on energy to heat the home. According to the Energy Star web site the average household spends more than $2,200 a year on energy bills—nearly half of which goes to heating and cooling. Turning the heat down at night or while someone is away from home for more than an hour or two can cut a heating bill significantly. “I’ve found people who didn’t know that varying the temperature like this uses less energy than maintaining a constant temperature,” Wood said. He encourages homeowners to purchase a programmable thermostat, which costs $30-$40 but can save about $180 a year with the proper settings. Wood wants class participants to seal drafts; turn down their water temperature to 120 degrees; insulate pipes coming into and out of the hot water tank; use low-flow shower heads; and recycle old refrigerators that may be hiding in the garage. “Everyone can make a difference,” says Wood. “By changing the way you use energy in your home, you can save money and help the environment.” United Way agency, Community Action Partnership is based in the Coeur d’Alene Industrial Park on the northwest side of the city. The partnership’s mission is “to serve as a catalyst for building relationships that inspire and equip people to end community poverty.”