Page 8 - May 2020 Final
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HELP SAVE GREEN WHILE YOU QUARANTINE!
By Rashawnda Atkinson
More people are staying in their units
since Governor Northam issued the
stay-at-home mandate to “flatten the
curve” of COVID-19 infections. An
unintended impact of the mandate is
the rise in residential utility costs.
Higher condo assessments can occur
when energy expenses increase.
Thankfully there’s something every
resident can do to minimize the im-
pact—put energy-conservation prac-
tices into action.
Consider one or more of the follow-
ing tips to help the Association—and
by association yourself or your land- Energy conservation leads to reduced energy costs and assessments for WAL.
lord—potentially save money during
this increased period of energy con- • When was the last time you weather. When installed you may
sumption costs. changed your disposable HVAC enjoy your views unobstructed in-
filter or cleaned a resuable one you stead of closing the blinds and cur-
Green Energy Tips purchased? The non-profit organi- tains—which also helps reduce the
• Consider the benefits of replacing zation Alliance to Save Energy rec- heat brought into the home.
older light bulbs with ones that are ommends changing or cleaning fil- • Consider the benefits of using pow-
more energy efficient. ters monthly, as doing so helps im- er strips for multiple electronic de-
prove indoor air quality and energy vices in the same room. Energy
efficiency. It also experts at Payless Power Electric
reduces the sys- Company states that using such can
tem’s workload, mitigate energy consumed when
potentially ex- the appliances are not in use or on
tends the life of stand-by. Plus, it’ll be easier to un-
the system and plug certain devices when you are
aids in delaying or away from home for days or weeks
preventing costly on end.
machine repairs. • Adjust the thermostat if you are
• Turn off the wa- going to be out of the unit and off
ter, lights and property for a long time. Raise the
electronics when temperature a few degrees in warm-
leaving the room. er weather and lower it in cooler
• Conservationist weather.
group American • Report issues related to any toilet
Forest recom- sounds or leaks to Metro Water at
mends installing 703-461-3418. Leave a message
window film to and someone will schedule a time
the inside of your to speak with you.
windows. Accord-
ing to them, win- Following these steps may help to
dow film blocks reduce the rising costs associated
the sun’s heat with utilities that unit owners pay for
from entering the in the annual dues. The Association
unit and eases the appreciates efforts residents have un-
workload of air dergone and will continue to encour-
conditioning units age our community to practice energy
during warmer conservation in their units.
Page 8 Wheel May 2020
