Illinois Valley News, Cave Junction, Ore. Wednesday, Oct. 6, 2010 Page 11 Energy Trust of Oregon offers savings, freebies for fall This fall, making changes to save energy at home is easier than ever. In fact, it can even be free. Energy Trust of Oregon is offering four free ways utility customers across the state can trim their energy costs during a time when bills can rise due to cooler weather and shorter days. From free Energy Saver Kits to a one-hour Home Energy Review, the products and services are all easy things for both homeowners and renters to try. And while simple, can make a big im- pact. “There are many no- cost and low-cost energy improvements that can help make a difference right away,” said Marshall John- son, a residential sector manager for Energy Trust. “These are things everyone can check off their list to help reduce energy costs before winter weather sets in.” Customers of Pacific Power can take advantage of this fall’s free energy savers. Visit www.energytrust.org/ free to review the choices, and request an item or ser- vice. In addition to the offer- ings below, customers can also review low-cost and no- cost tips for ways to further lower their energy bills. Here are four free en- ergy savers: •Energy Saver Kit: trim energy use around the home with an Energy Saver Kit. It comes filled with easy to install energy-saving items such as compact fluorescent light bulbs, an energy-saving showerhead and faucet aera- tor. •Energy-Efficient Showerhead: get a free Wa- terSense® showerhead that can help cut water heating bills, typically the second largest energy expense at home. •Fridge Recycling: recy- cle an energy hog refrigera- tor or freezer (one from the 1990s or earlier can cost up to $200 a year to operate, compared to only $40 a year for today’s more efficient models). Energy Trust will pick it up, recycle it for free and provide $50 cash back. •Home Energy Review: request a home energy re- view to have a trained en- ergy advisor visit your house or apartment. In the course of an hour, they will show you where your home wastes energy and which energy-saving improve- ments can increase comfort and reduce energy costs. In addition, there are many other free ways utility customers can trim energy costs. Here are ten tips for no-cost energy savings: •Unplug battery charg- ers for power tools, mobile phones laptops and other devices when not in use. •Use an energy monitor to see where you can cut your electricity use further. Visit www.energytrust.org/ checkoutsavings for a list of participating libraries with Kill-A-Watt energy moni- tors available for checkout. •Turn off lights when not needed. •Use a countertop con- vection oven, microwave or smaller electric appliance, instead of a full-size stove whenever possible. •Turn down the thermo- stat to 65–68 degrees during the day and 58–60 degrees at night during cooler months. If you have a heat pump, turn the thermostat down no more than 10 de- grees at night. •Wash and rinse laundry with cold water. To save more energy and water, run full loads. •Use the water-saver washing and energy-saver drying options on your dish- washer. •Check to make sure refrigerator and freezer gas- kets are sealed tightly. •Clean lint filters after drying each load of clothes. •Close fireplace and wood stove dampers when not in use, but wait until several hours after the fire is out and the ashes are cold. Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable re- sources. Their services, cash incentives and energy solu- tions have helped participat- ing customers of Pacific Power save nearly $600 mil- lion on energy bills. The group’s work helps keep energy costs as low as possi- ble, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878. Senior Nutrition Menu Sponsored by Meals are served in the Cave Junction County Bldg. 541-592-2126, 541-955-8839 FRIDAY, OCT. 8 MACARONI & CHEESE Escalloped tomatoes, green peas & onions, bran rye roll, chilled applesauce MONDAY, OCT. 11 ROAST PORK WITH GRAVY Whip potatoes with gravy, cut green beans, cracked wheat bread, chocolate brownie WEDNESDAY, OCT. 13 BAKED BEEF RIGATONI Broccoli cuts, tossed salad, foccacia bread, peach crisp 110 Deer Creek Rd., Selma 541-597-4349 Subscribe to the Illinois Valley News. Phone 541-592-2541