Energy Efficiency - Success Stories

Household quick tip - water heater

Submitted by Sam Joness

About once a month I drain a couple of gallons of water from my hot water heater, via the spigot located at the bottom of the tank.  This allows any sediment to be flushed out, allowing it to operate more efficiently.  I then use the collected water to flush the toilet or water my indoor plants.  It only takes a few minutes and saves energy, water, and money!


Keep Flowers Alive Longer

Submitted by Anna Thomas

For cut flowers to survive give them sugar for nourishment and an acidic ingredient like lemon lime soda or aspirin which allows the plant to absorb water more easily.  A drop of bleach will prevent bacteria and lengthen their life.


Aluminum foil

Submitted by Sandra Baker

I save used aluminum foil to clean my pots and pans.  I wad it into a ball and clean inside and out.  It really works.  It is great for BBQ grill too!


Installing Addtn’l Insulation Saved Me Money!

Submitted by Martin, Jonesborough

Here’s a small actual example proving your argument in regards to the “value of insulation.” In my little Depression-era (footprint 900 SF) cottage in Jonesborough, the attic floor was un-insulated during last summer’s cooling season, and my kWh usage for the billing period of August to September of ‘07 was 503 kWhs, primarily because of the heat pump running in AC mode.


Energy Saving Tip

Submitted by Martha, JCPB Customer

One of the best tips I have is that I have learned to read my meter. After I learned this, every month I try to use less energy than the month before.


Let the Sun In

Submitted by Theodore, JCPB Customer

On a cold day and when there are no clouds, we open the front door and blinds and the sun warm our home thru the storm door and windows.


Cold Water Will Work Just as Well

Submitted by Kathy, Kingsport

Often we use the hot water faucet even though cold water would just as well. When the slightest bit of water is used from the hot faucet, the hot water heater kicks on. If you do not need hot water and may not even wait for the water to clear the pipes, use the cold faucet. Also, when adjusting water temperature, think DOWN, decreasing volume of water to adjust temperature.


Stopping Air Leaks are Very Important

Submitted by Lori, Johnson City

Stopping air leaks are very important in your home. Some . . . methods are installing storm doors, storm windows, and even covering windows and other portals with plastic.