Kenergy is now accepting applications for System Controller at our Owensboro office location. Applications are being accepted now through November 17th. Click HERE to view the description and apply!

Your home is full of vampires—energy vampires, that is.

Energy vampires are electric appliances and devices that continue to use energy, even when they’re turned off. They’re all over your home, and they can suck the life out of your energy bill, accounting for up to 20% of your electricity use.

Most Americans now have between 30-65 vampire devices throughout their homes. Nearly every appliance has become smart with electronic digital displays. Some of the biggest energy consumers include cable or satellite set-top TV boxes, computer modems and aquariums.

While you may not be able to easily turn those items off without consequences, you can save energy on vampire electronics such as cellphone chargers, laptop computers, gaming consoles TVs, printers, DVR and MP3 players, automatic coffee makers, microwave ovens and other devices with digital clocks.

Here’s how to slay the energy vampires in your home:

• Unplug rarely-used devices such as your DVD player and the dusty TV in the guest room.
• Use power strips to plug in computers, printers and phone chargers so you can easily turn off one switch.
• Set your computers to go into “sleep” or “standby” mode after nobody has touched them for 30 minutes.
• When you unplug your mobile phone from the charger, unplug the charger from the wall.
• Buy ENERGY STAR appliances whenever possible, as it reduces the amount of energy used in active and idle modes.

As the weather cools and the temptation to crank up the heat intensifies, consider ways you can warm up your home a little bit without using electricity.

For example:

• Invite heat from the sun indoors. Open the curtains during the day on windows facing south to let sunrays in and close them at night to keep out the chill.
• If your windows are old, single-pane or otherwise drafty, cover them with clear plastic so the cold outdoor air won’t penetrate them. If they’re still drafty after that, cover them with insulating drapes or shades.
• Pump caulk into leaks around windows, doors and any holes in the wall where cable or telephone cords enter the home.
• Schedule a maintenance check with a licensed HVAC professional before it gets too cold outside. The tech can resolve any issues that might cause your furnace to shut down during the winter.

Reducing electricity use as a renter may seem tough when you have little control over the biggest energy users in your place like your refrigerator, dishwasher or heating and cooling system.

But there’s still plenty you can do to lower your energy bill without making permanent—or expensive—changes. Follow these tips to reduce energy use in your rented space:

• If your home has an individual water heater, call your landlord or property manager and ask to have the temperature lowered to 120 degrees. Most water heaters are set at a default temperature of 140 degrees—which can be hot enough to scald your skin. The lower setting will still be hot enough to keep your showers steamy.
• Look for an ENERGY STAR-qualified window air conditioner if you are responsible for purchasing it. An ENERGY STAR A/C uses about 10% less energy than others. In the winter, cover your window A/C with a tight-fitting sleeve to prevent the heat from escaping, or remove the unit from the window.
• While blinds offer privacy, hanging heavier curtains will help shield out the heat in the summertime. In the winter, tape clear plastic sheeting around window frames to help insulate older, single-pane windows.
• Install sink aerators on all faucets. They are inexpensive and non-permanent, but can significantly reduce your hot water use while offering the same water pressure.
• Replace incandescent lightbulbs with more efficient LEDs. They use far less energy than incandescents, and last up to 10 years—so you can take them with you when you move.
• If the windows and doors are drafty, ask your landlord about installing weatherstripping to seal off cracks. It’s an easy do-it-yourself task and inexpensive, too—so even if your landlord won’t cover the cost, you can pay for it yourself to increase the comfort of your home and reduce your heating bills.

Kenergy is now accepting applications for Line Technician and Apprentice Line Technician at the Owensboro office location. Applications are being accepted now through October 31st. Click HERE to view the description and apply!

Servicing your heating system is a lot like getting an oil change or tune up for your car. Sure, it’s an expense—but it’s still cheaper than waiting until something goes wrong to call a technician.

Having your heating system inspected by a professional usually means you won’t have to worry about whether the unit will make it through another season.

Some contractors offer an annual preventive maintenance agreement, which will cost a few hundred dollars a year and typically includes a fall inspection of your heating system and a spring once-over for your air conditioner, along with discounts on repairs and equipment. A better deal most often is to pay as you go for individual inspections.

But paying a pro to maintain your heating and cooling system is worth the money. Qualified, licensed service technicians are trained to spot problems that most homeowners overlook. Schedule the appointment before the season begins so there is time to order any replacement parts.

Congratulations to our 2019 Member Appreciation Day gift card winners!

Darleen King – Owensboro
Barry Harper – Henderson
Jimmy Eastwood – Hanson
Edith Gaw – Hawesville
Roger Phelps – Marion

If you’ve ever accidently flipped off a light switch connected to the outlet that powers an impossible-to-program electronic or a refrigerator full of food, you’ve probably tried every trick you can think of to prevent it from happening again.

When large warning signs or switches duct-taped in the “on” position fail, try installing a switch lock or guard cover. They make it impossible to flip the switch off—or on, if you’re trying to keep it off.

Installing a switch lock or guard cover on your don’t-touch switch is an easier and more attractive way to protect your important electronics and other must-be-on-all-the-time devices. They cost less than $10.

Some are plastic covers that hide the switch itself to prevent it from being flipped. Others replace the existing faceplate and lock the switch in the on or off position. Some are metal and include a barrier than makes it impossible to flip the switch.

If you’re protecting a switch from kids or still need to use it occasionally, choose a switch lock with an override button you can depress to unlock the switch.

Kenergy is excited to host its annual Member Appreciation Day on Thursday, October 3rd from 11am to 2pm at all five office locations.

This year’s event will feature FREE BBQ lunch, FREE buckets and LED lightbulbs (while supplies last) and your chance to win a $250 gift card! Information on the door prizes will be available at Member Appreciation Day.

Members can also drop off their new sock donations for Socktober while at Member Appreciation Day.

The Owensboro office will be doing a drive-thru this year to help expedite traffic.