THE GREEN SIDE
Curb your energy enthusiasm
By Christie Matheson | July 16, 2008
It's no surprise that we tax the energy grid during summer's hot spells. Cranking air conditioning uses some serious electricity. We're not going to tell you to shut it off completely and suffer (though you should set the temp at least a little higher, since creating a refrigerator effect isn't necessary - or good for the skin). Here are a few tips from Jordan Goldman, principal engineer and co-founder of Charlestown-based ZeroEnergy Design (zeroenergy.com), to help curb your energy use (and lower your electric bill) this summer.
Keep the AC off as much as possible, and rely on fans and open windows whenever you can.
Use insulating shades and close windows during the day then open windows when it cools off in the evening.
Take advantage of the long daylight hours and turn lights off.
Switch to compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). This reduces the energy you'll need for lighting and for cooling, because 90 percent of the energy an incandescent bulb uses becomes heat, not light, increasing your cooling needs. CFLs give off much less heat.
Shade south-facing windows with overhangs or louvers.
Dry your clothing on a rack or outdoor line instead of using the dryer, which is one of the home's biggest energy users.
If your AC is old, invest in a new Energy Star unit.
Use fans to promote cross breezes, and keep interior doors open to facilitate ventilation.
Have you noticed your city or town wasting energy? Leaving street lights on all day? Lighting athletic fields at night when they aren't in use? Tell us about it at globegreenside@yahoo.com.
Christie Matheson is the author of "Green Chic: Saving the Earth in Style." 
