August, 2009

August 2009

TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO SAVE MONEY

Everyone wants to save both energy and money, but most of us are neglecting a simple task that will make one of our most energy-hungry appliances run more efficiently.

That task? Cleaning the coils on your refrigerator.

The coils dissipate the heat from your refrigerator, and when they’re covered with grime they can’t do that without extra effort. If you clean the coils just twice a year, you’ll save energy by easing the work of your refrigerator.

On most models, the coils are at the bottom, protected by a panel held in place by simple spring clips or by small screws. If it’s the latter, you’ll need an appropriately sized screwdriver to remove the panel. Collect the rest of your cleaning tools: A vacuum cleaner, a scrub brush and a pail of warm, soapy water.

Start by turning off the refrigerator and pulling it away from the wall. Remove the access panel and use thenarrow crevice attachment on your vacuum cleaner to get as much of the dust, accumulated fur (if you have pets) and other debris as you can. If the coils seem sticky or greasy, get at them with a brush and soapy water. If your refrigerator has a drip pan, remove, scrub clean and replace.

After everything’s clean, plug in your refrigerator and push back into place. For even more savings, replace refrigerators or freezers that are more than 10 years old with new ENERGY STAR models. SMUD will pay you to get rid of your old freezers and refrigerators -- $35, with free pick-up. When the old one’s gone, you can get a new energy-efficient model and pocket a cool rebate of up to $100.

For information, visit SMUD.org/rebates or call 1-888-742-7683.

CALL TO SMUD CAN MAKE MOVING EASIER

Moving Connections Moving is hard work, but SMUD can help with some of the details.

With a single call, our Moving Connections service can move not only your electric service, but also many of the additional services you rely on, including:

Local telephone
Long-distance telephone
Cable television
Satellite television
High-speed Internet
Local newspaper
National newspaper
Home security
Lawn care
Order personal checks
Change address with U.S. Postal Service

There is a fee for ordering checks and changing your address with the post office, but all other services are free.

Call SMUD and ask for Moving Connections at 1-888-742-SMUD (7683) or visit SMUD.org for more information.

DON'T OVERLOAD POWER STRIPS, BE SAFE WITH POWER CORDS

Power Cords Many accidents occur in the home, and most of them are preventable.

Here are some tips on electrical safety that will keep you and yours out of the emergency room:

Use electrical cords wisely. Repair or replace cords that are frayed or cracked. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to a wall, baseboard or any other object. Cords should not have any furniture resting on them or be placed under a carpet or rug. Do not leave a cord where it can be stepped or tripped on. Always remove a cord from the outlet by pulling on the plug rather than the cord itself.
Protect yourself from electrical shock by using Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters in kitchen and bathroom outlets.
Use light bulbs that are the correct wattage for the size of the fixtures.
Repair or replace an appliance that repeatedly blows a fuse or trips a circuit, or if it has caused an electric shock.
Protect children and pets by covering unused wall outlets with plastic safety caps.
Never force a plug into an outlet if it doesn’t fit. Never remove the third prong of a three-pronged plug.
Don’t overload extension cords and power strips, and don’t piggyback power strips together.

For more information on safety visit SMUD.org or call 1-888-742-SMUD.

IN THIS ISSUE

TAKE A FEW MINUTES TO SAVE MONEY

CALL TO SMUD CAN MAKE MOVING EASIER

DON'T OVERLOAD POWER STRIPS, BE SAFE WITH POWER CORDS

SMALL DONATIONS CAN ADD UP TO A LOT OF ENERGYHELP

The Sacramento area has been among the hardest hit by the recent economic downturn, and that means many of our neighbors need help. That's why SMUD provides EnergyHELP, giving customers a way to assist for as little as $1 extra per month included in the monthly bill.

The EnergyHELP program provides qualified low-income customers with immediate financial assistance to maintain electricity service in their homes - up to $200 a year toward unpaid balances.

All donated funds are distributed to SMUD customers in need through four charities, The Salvation Army, Sacramento Food Bank Services, Travelers Aid and Folsom Cordova Community Partnership. These organizations were chosen through a competitive bid process and meet SMUD's strict requirements for experience in efficiently serving people in need throughout the Sacramento area.

Contributors select which charity will distribute the funds they donate. For more information visit SMUD.org or call 1-888-742- SMUD (7683).

CUSTOMER SERVICE:
1-888-742-SMUD (7683)
Hours: M-F 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Pay online: www.smud.org

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