Energy Wise is a project funded by the Rural Alaska Community Action Program (RurAL CAP) and hosted by the Native Village of Eyak. The goal of Energy Wise is to educate Cordova about affordable, easy energy efficiency upgrades you can do in your home to save energy and money. RurAL CAP has provided NVE with 60 Energy Wise Kits containing free items for both homeowners and renters to use to cut back their energy costs. These kits are available for income-qualifying households (see the income guidelines here. For more information, or to sign up to participate in Energy Wise, contact Erin Shew at 424-7738.

Participating households will receive a home visit from NVE staff. The purpose of the home visit is to help you understand your energy usage and how to reduce it. NVE staff will use a Kill-a-Watt meter to test how much energy your electronics are using and how you can reduce that energy draw. NVE staff will also show you simple tricks to reduce your overall energy usage and calculate how much you can save annually. The first 60 income-qualifying households will receive the Energy Wise Home Kit, which contains free items you can use to reduce your energy costs. Each kit comes with window film, 5 indoor compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and 1 outdoor CFL, a refridgerator thermometer, a power strip and extension cord, 1 CO sensor, 1 digital hygrometer, energy tip magnets, a tote bag, stickers and a coloring book for kids, and educational literature. We will explain each of these items during your home visit, or see below for an explanation of what each of these items do.

What do I do with all this stuff?

Window Film	Apply insulating window film during winter months to minimize drafts. Apply with double-sided tape, then use a hairdryer to tighten the film and make it invisible.
Compact Fluorescent Bulbs (CFLs)	Install CFL bulbs into fixtures that are most commonly used. CFLs are more efficient than regular incandescent bulbs. They last years longer while using less energy. You will receive 5 indoor (14 watt) CFLs and 1 outdoor (23 watt) CFL.
Power strip and extension cord	Use these tools to minimize phantom loads. When electronics are not in use, be sure to turn off the power strip so that electronics are not drawing power while they are turned off.
Refrigerator Thermometer	Keep this in your fridge to make sure the temperature is between 36 and 38 degrees. Adjust your fridge temperature as necessary and make sure your seals are tight on the door.
CO Sensor	Use this sensor to detect carbon monoxide (CO) in your home. CO is produced from burning oil, propane, gas, or wood and can be deadly. Put the CO sensor near bedrooms so the sensor will wake you if there is too much CO in your home.
Digital Hygrometers	Use this tool to measure the moisture in your home. Ideally it should read between 30% and 60%. Any higher than 60% will cause mold and mildew to grow. Mold and mildew can cause respiratory problems, especially in children and elders.
EPA Mold Booklet	This Guide provides information and guidance for homeowners and renters on how to clean up residential mold problems and ow to prevent mold growth.
Energy Wise Tote Bag	This eco-friendly tote bag can be used for many different things. For example, it could be used for groceries and help reduce the use of plastic grocery bags.
Energy Tips Magnets	These four refrigerator magnets are fun energy conservation reminders. They have tips on how to save energy on lighting, cooking, and monitoring energy usage around the home.
Energy Savers Tips for Rural Alaska	This booklet is a comprehensive guide that offers plenty of ways you can save energy in your home from lighting, cooking, electronics, washing dishes and clothes, phantom loads, home heating, refrigerator maintenance, and so much more.
Light Switch Plate Cover	This light switch plate cover is a fun reminder for kids to turn off lights when they are not in the room. It can be used in the kids' room, or even in the common room.
"Turn Me Off" Stickers	This sheet of stickers is for the kids to put on the electronics around the home to remind them to turn off the TV, DVD player, power strips, etc when they are finished with them.
Coloring Book	These coloring books have fun activities and pictures, and also engage kids in thinking about behavioral changes and saving energy. If you don't have kids in your home, donate it to a neighbor or the school!