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Do Your Part to Curb Energy Usage this National Energy Awareness Month
posted at 2016-09-19
October is National Energy Awareness Month - an entire month devoted to spreading the word about the benefits of energy efficiency and promoting smart energy choices. As part of this effort, many organizations are coming together for Energy Efficiency Day on Wednesday, October 5, 2016.
To celebrate this month and day of awareness, you can do your part to make a difference. No matter how large the problem may seem, each of us plays a role in the solution. Every day that you make a conscious decision to live a sustainable lifestyle helps shape the future of energy efficiency and a healthier environment.
You can start making a difference at home today and over the next year, using these energy efficiency tips:
Today
- Replace any incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent (CFLs) or light emitting diode (LED) light bulbs
- Shut off water while you brush your teeth
- Turn off lights in unoccupied rooms
- Unplug cell phone and other chargers after use
- Set your laptop or computer to sleep mode or unplug it completely after use
- Install a programmable thermostat that can automatically adjust to your schedule
- Recycle paper, plastic, cans and glass
This week
- Purchase a water heater blanket, low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators
- Insulate your hot water pipes and heating ducts to prevent heat loss
- Clean condenser coils on the back of your refrigerator and freezer
- Seal up any large air leaks such as those around windows and attic hatches using caulking, sealing or weather-stripping
This month
- Compare electricity and fuel bills and determine the largest energy hog
- Insulate heating ducts in unheated areas, like attics and crawlspaces
- Schedule an energy audit to learn more about the inefficiencies in your home
This year
- Implement the changes recommended by your energy auditor to make your home more efficient
- Clean or replace filters in your furnace, air conditioner or heater
- Replace aging, inefficient appliances, such as refrigerator, washer and dryer
- Upgrade from single pane windows to more efficient double pane windows or add solar shades
Take a few minutes each month to focus on the health, safety and comfort of your home as well as how much you spend on energy usage. Making small improvements to your everyday life could lead to years of benefits for you and your family!
Join the conversation for Energy Efficiency Day on October 5th by using the hashtag #EEDay2016. Share your thoughts and stories about energy efficiency.
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