ENERGY EFFICIENCY
TIP OF THE MONTH
Water heating is the second largest energy expense in your home. It typically accounts for about 18% of your energy usage. There are four primary ways to cut your water heating bills: use less hot water; turn down the thermostat on your water heater; insulate your water heater and pipes; or buy a new, more efficient model.
Source: Energy.gov
No Bake Lemon Cheesecake
Ingredients:
16 oz. cream cheese, softened Zest of 1 lemon, divided 14 oz. sweetened condensed milk 10 in. graham cracker crust 1/3 cup lemon juice
Mint leaves for garnish (optional)
Directions:
Add softened cream cheese, sweetened condensed milk, lemon juice and 2/3 of the lemon zest to a large mixing bowl, and beat on high until smooth and creamy (about 4 minutes). Transfer to a graham cracker crust. Sprinkle reserved lemon zest in top, and refrigerate until filling is set, about 3 to 4 hours. Serve chilled, and garnish with mint leaves and extra lemon slices, if desired. For Dixie Electric Cooperative Member-Owners
Call Before You Dig
811 is the number you should call before you begin any digging project. They mark the location of buried utilities with paint or flags so that you will not unintentionally dig into an underground utility line. Once all of your utilities have been located, you can safely start your digging project. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional excavator, one call to 811 gets your underground utility lines marked for free.
PLANTING FOR ENERGY SAVINGS
The newness of spring is an exciting time of year! However, sunnier days can mean heat buildup around your home. Heat from the sun absorbs through windows and roofs which increases home cooling costs. Thoughtfully placed plants can shade your home, blocking excess heat. When planning your next planting project, consider what type of trees or plants might be best for you!
Evergreen Trees
Low Shrubs
Deciduous Trees
• DECIDUOUS TREES: To block sunlight in the summer but let it in during the winter, use deciduous trees with high spreading crowns (i.e. leaves and branches). These trees have lush leaves in the spring and summer that will fall when the seasons change.
• EVERGREEN TREES: To provide continuous shade or to block heavy winds, use dense evergreen trees or shrubs.
• SHRUBS & GROUNDCOVER PLANTS: These can shade the ground around your home, reducing heat radiation and cooling the air before it even reaches your home's walls and windows.
REMEMBER:
Always call 811 before starting any digging project!
Plant trees far enough away from your home so that when they mature, their roots will not damage your foundation. Avoid planting near underground transformers or overhead power lines as this can potentially create hazards for you and our linemen.
A slow-growing tree may require years of growth before it can shade your roof, but they will typically live longer than a fast-growing tree. Also, slow-growing trees often have deeper roots and stronger branches, so they are less prone to breakage by storms.
Source: CDC, Energy.gov
Source: Energy.gov
