October Is Energy Awareness Month
October brings with it many things. Fall leaves, football games, sweater weather, pumpkin spice EVERYTHING, Halloween, and National Energy Awareness Month is the most important. As the temperatures drop and the thermostats get turned up, it’s the perfect time to think about becoming energy efficient.
Energy Awareness Month was first implemented in 1991 by President George Bush. He encouraged the government and organizations to raise awareness of the importance of managing the nation’s energy resources sustainably. Today, we continue looking for ways to optimize energy resilience and security using advanced and distributed energy technologies.
We look to federal agencies, such as the Federal Energy Management Program, to provide leadership and meet national energy efficiency and renewable energy laws and requirements from a large-scale perspective. But also carry a responsibility to manage energy use in our homes and workplaces efficiently.
HOW CAN YOU CONSERVE ENERGY IN FALL AND WINTER?
ENERGY AUDIT
You can take control of your energy spend as the weather turns cold. An energy audit is an ideal first step in assessing your home’s energy consumption, determining losses, and seeking out areas of improvement. You can hire a professional to perform one in your home or do a simple energy audit yourself. It is possible to save up to 30 percent on utility bills by analyzing energy consumption and implementing efficiency upgrades.
PROPER MAINTENANCE OF HEATING SYSTEMS
During the fall, electricity bills increase with the continuous use of heating systems. Heating bills account for 42 percent of residential energy use. Instead of turning up the thermostat, minimize your consumption by ensuring your heating system is maintained correctly with clean filters. Decreased airflow makes the system work harder, which wastes energy.
FIND AND SEAL LEAKS
Be sure to check for air leaks or gaps around walls, ceilings, windows, doors, switches, and outlets. You can reduce your heating bill up to 20 percent by preventing and sealing leaks.
PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
Install a programmable thermostat to prevent unnecessary energy use, and you can also save another 10 percent on your heating bills. You can also achieve the same results by turning back the heat 10 to 15 degrees while you are gone for the day and when you are sleeping.
DECREASED WATER TEMPERATURE
Heating water accounts for about 18 percent of the energy consumed in your home. Turn down the temperature of your water heater to warm, or 120 degrees, to decrease excess energy usage.
CONSERVE HOLIDAY LIGHTING ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Use ENERGY STAR® certified LED light strings during the holidays for more energy-efficient and cost-saving decor.
Enjoy your Autumn and make the season even better by becoming more energy efficiency conscious. You might even save a little money, too!
Happy National Energy Awareness Month!
Sources: www.energy.gov
