Resolve in 2006 to save energy

By Samuel Bodman
Knight Ridder/Tribune
Every year at this time, many Americans start thinking of ways to improve in the New Year, like joining a health club, saving more money or finding a new job. But I'd like to suggest a different New Year's Resolution -- one that can save you money on your monthly utility bills and help reduce overall energy demand, which is good for everyone. This year, why not resolve to be more energy efficient?
Greater energy efficiency is an important part of America's overall energy security, and being energy-efficient is a good practice at any time of year. But resolving to be more energy efficient at home and at work is particularly attractive this New Year's for a couple of reasons.
First, Hurricanes Katrina and Rita did significant damage to America's energy infrastructure. This damage, along with growing demand for energy resources around the globe, has caused the price of gasoline and natural gas to go up. Higher prices have already put a pinch on family budgets. But by being more efficient, you can help bring those costs down.
Second, the energy bill signed by President Bush this summer has made greater efficiency even more enticing. Starting Jan. 1, new tax credits will go into effect that provide incentives for making energy efficiency improvements at home and at work.
Getting started is easy -- turn down thermostats a degree or two, especially when you're not at home, or install a programmable thermostat to do the work for you to save up to 10 percent on your heating costs. Caulk around ducts and windows to plug holes and cracks where warm air can escape to save another 10 percent. And replace regular incandescent light bulbs with energy efficient bulbs to save up to 50 percent on the lighting part of your electric bill.
Tax incentives
And thanks to the new tax incentives included in the energy bill, this year it will be easier for individuals and businesses to invest in fuel-efficient vehicles, appliances and heating equipment.
Families looking to buy hybrid or other fuel-efficient vehicles may be eligible for a tax credit of up to $3,400 in 2006.
At home, the legislation signed by President Bush provides a number of tax credits for the installation of energy-efficient products. Families can get tax credits up to $500 for qualified energy efficiency improvements to their home, including $200 for installing new energy-efficient windows, $50 for purchasing an advanced main air circulating fan, $150 for installing a highly efficient furnace or boiler, and $300 for purchasing a highly efficient central air conditioner, heat pump or water heater.
These are just a few examples of the many ways you can be more energy efficient. At www.energysavers.gov, the Energy Department has many free resources to help you get on your way. At the Web site you can find regional guides that explain how to build an energy-efficient home in a particular climate, tips on saving gasoline when you're driving, and an online home energy savings calculator to help you address your family's individual needs
If you do choose to make your New Year's Resolution greater energy efficiency, you won't be going it alone. The Department of Energy has also launched a major effort to help reduce energy use at large federal facilities and 200 of the nation's largest manufacturing plants. Throughout the coming year, teams of energy savings experts will work with energy managers across the country to perform comprehensive energy assessments that hopefully will result in much less energy used at these facilities.
With the energy efficiency tax credits that go into effect in January, and armed with inexpensive, easy energy saving strategies, American families and businesses can rest assured that a resolution to improve energy efficiency in 2006 won't be a hard one to keep.
X Samuel Bodman is secretary of the U.S. Department of Energy. Distributed by Knight Ridder/Tribune Information Service.