Energy Savings

2019 Summer Newsletter "Diversity, Harmony, Community - Together 'WE' can make a difference!”

Read it now!

Summer 2019 Newsletter Inside This Issue: Columbia View Park improvements National Night Out, Tuesday Aug 6th Back to School, Movies in the Park Nadaka Happenings & Changes WENA Meeting Mon, Aug 12, 6:30PM

Download your copy here. (includes active web links)

Newsletters are a regular publication of the Wilkes East Neighborhood Association. They are hand-delivered to over 1,500 residences and businesses in our area 3 times per year, timed to correspond with our regular meetings.

View archive   |   Policy & Ad Rates

After what seemed like an endless, hot summer, we’re all breathing a sigh of relief as temperatures are finally dropping—winter is just around the corner!

Fall’s here, and your comfortable, safe home awaits

By Stephanie Swanson, Enhabit.org

Before the cold sets in for good, fall is the perfect time to take some easy steps to make your home cozier, healthier and safe for this winter and beyond.

Watch your windows. Did you know your windows can help keep your home warm in the winter? Take advantage of the winter sun’s heat by opening south-facing curtains, drapes and blinds during the day, and then closing window coverings at night to keep the heat in. If you don’t have blinds or shades, consider installing them to reduce heat loss (they’ll also help keep your house cool next summer).

Lower the dial and get cozy. Keep your home 10 to 15 degrees cooler when you are not at home, and lower the temperature slightly at night to save energy. Nothing’s cozier than bundling up with blankets on a winter night!

Breathe easy. Many homes trap allergens and pollutants which affect indoor air quality and can seriously impact the whole family. Checking for radon and installing a carbon monoxide detector are two simple steps that will help everyone breathe more easily.

Get prepared. Back to school is a great time to take stock of emergency preparedness plans and supplies. It’s also a good time to ensure your home is prepared for what may come. Seismic “hardening” of your home helps keep your home secured during severe storms, high winds and earthquakes. It’s also a necessary first step if you’re looking to get earthquake insurance.

For more information about how to improve the comfort, health and safety of your home, visit Enhabit.org/neighborhood and take a quick online quiz, or if you’re ready – schedule a free in-home visit with an Enhabit-certified contractor. Our qualified contractors and easy financing are available for a variety of home upgrades including energy efficiency improvements, radon mitigation, seismic retrofits and solar energy installations.

Winter Tips to Save You Money After a hot summer, temperatures are finally dropping—and winter is just around the corner.

Grab a coffee or a hot apple cider, put on your favorite flannel, and cuddle up to your sweetie because we’ve got you covered when it comes to the best tips for keeping toasty indoors.

Take advantage of winter sun. Yes, there is sun, even in Oregon winter! When it’s shining, be sure to open south-facing window curtains, drapes, and blinds during the day, so the sunlight can naturally heat your home. Close window coverings at night to keep the heat in.

Cover drafty windows. Tape a do-it-yourself, clear, plastic film to the inside of your window frames. Make sure the plastic is sealed tightly to the frame. Installing window treatments, such as blinds, drapes, or shades, can also help reduce heat loss.

Adjust the temperature. Set the thermostat 10 to 15 degrees cooler when you’re not home to use less energy and lower utility bills. Lowering the temperature slightly at night and adding an extra blanket to the bed keeps the whole family extra cozy.

LED streetlight, Capri Terrace

Monday, May 19th, the Capri Terrace area of Wilkes East began receiving new LED streetlights -- replacing the old familiar 'pink glow' high-pressure sodium lights. The new streetlights are white, bright and money saving, but some folks say they also create more shadows at night.

What a bright idea: Gresham switching to LED streetlights

Source: Gresham Outlook website

Cost to keep lights on will go from $600,000 a year to $100,000 with new program

In yet another green effort to save energy and money, Gresham is starting a major streetlight replacement project, which will convert the city’s streetlights to high-efficiency LED bulbs. The move will save approximately $500,000 a year in costs.

Cities across the nation — even the globe — are turning to light-emitting diode lights as a way to save money and the environment.

Water. Save a Little. Help a Lot! Regional Water Providers Consortium offers free indoor water saving kits.

Many of us have ignored the sound of a trickling stream coming from our toilet, or maybe we’ve chosen to overlook those small, slow drips from a bathroom faucet or kitchen sink.

After all, how much water do they really waste?

According to the EPA, more than 1 trillion gallons of water leak every year in homes across the U.S. That’s enough water to sustain the population of Los Angeles, Chicago and Miami combined each year. It’s also estimated that leaks in almost 10 percent of American homes drip away nearly 90 gallons of water a day. In the greater Portland metro area, that can mean about $100 in water charges literally going down the drain each year.

Many of these leaks occur in old fixtures, such as leaky toilets, faucets and showerheads. Fix these drips and you'll be amazed at how much water and money you can save.