RLSP - Energy Efficiency, Winter

For the RLSP City to Rural Living Sustainability Report for Energy Efficiency, Winter (November 2020- February 2023). A summary of Energy habits and adjustments for the winter seasons. This overview provides different energy consumption and consideration habits to maintain reasonable energy use in areas deemed vital to having fiscally balanced and comfortable living circumstances during rural living.

Energy Efficiency, Winter (November 2020- February 2023)

Winter month energy efficiency is primarily concentrated on heating variables. In the living circumstances for 2020-2023, the following heating options had been used:

• Wood Burning Stove

• Propane Furnace

• Electric Floorboard heating

Wood Burning Stove

From 2020 to 2021, the wood-burning stove and electric floorboard heating were the principal heating methods*. At least 3 cords (384 cubic feet) of wood for the stove were initially provided during the initial move. The local Castle Ranch donated additional wood during the Aspen tree mitigation, which is required for county fire prevention. This resulted in at least 10 months of firewood. Wood ashes were initially thrown into a hole from December 2020 - March 2021, covered with snow during the winter months. This was eventually improved with a used garbage can in May 2022, surrounded by salvaged stones, and placed more than 50 feet from the living quarters. Ashes from year-round burning were utilized during the summer and fall to minimize carpenter ant infestations and improve the garden's pH balance.

From 2022-2023, tree mitigation, broken branches, and downed trees from prior storms were utilized as firewood. to supplement additional heating needs to limit electric heating options. The wood-burning stove had been maintained during summer to prepare for increased winter use.

*These heating methods occurred before the 2023 energy audit and home repairs provided by Northwest Colorado-Energy Program, Colorado

Propane Furnace

The propane furnace 2020 - 2023 was an older model that provided reasonable heating but did not provide temperature settings that helped reduce propane use. The property’s 1500 propane tank consisted of 850 gallons from November 2020 to January 2021. 850 gallons lasted three months when usage was based on standard city fuel for necessities such as oven use, hot water, and heating. Understanding fueling restraint and cost, alternative cooking methods, such as hot plates and slow cookers, were used to prepare food. The propane heater was also limited to 5 degrees and below weather needs. Washing was limited to cold water, with showers no more than 15 minutes maximum. This allowed at least 700 gallons of propane to last up to six months before refueling. This increased propane access and decreased fueling costs or service limitations.

The tank was refueled with a local propane provider, with prices based on national fuel costs. Due to living in an underpopulated area, propane refueling was best during the holiday season when propane services have 3 or more paid services to make feasible trips. This means a waiting period may occur post-Christmas and prior spring holiday break.

Electric Floorboard heating

Electric Floorboard heating, with sourced power provided by CORE (formally IREA, 2020-2022), resulted in absorbent utility bills of three months up to $650 per month. Unknown what areas needed to be limited, general appliances were used with the same magnitude as a city residence, including electric-based heating at 70-85 degree temperature levels and outdoor farm animal heating resources. The utility usage resulted in an immediate audit and review of what appliances’ heating levels should be reduced to decrease the monthly electric bill.

For extremely cold days and minimal insulation, 85-degree temperature settings for 3 thermostats were required to maintain at least 55 degrees within the crawlspace to prevent ruptured pipes from bursting. An inverter-battery system was created to limit outdoor farm animal heating resources and provide supplemental power for water heaters and general heating. This inverter batter system lasted one week before a one-day recharging. The inverter battery system consisted of one rechargeable car/golf cart battery and a 500-watt inverter. General sealing of drafts using foam insulation and caulk improved heating and lowered thermostats. The electric bill decreased by $300 once a review of cold leaks, appliance use, and limitations for power-hungry technology (printer, computer, chargers) were turned off or placed in sleep mode.

Utility billing data is currently being reviewed to show a visual of consumption patterns and how costs improved once energy use awareness increased. Morale during this time is also being reviewed to determine if changes provided assurances without lack of comfort.