October | National Energy Awareness Month
October 2, 2012
October's National Energy Awareness Month is designed to promote smart energy choices. We all can do small things to save energy around our homes and work places. No matter how large the problem may appear, we all have the means to shape our energy future and move our nation toward energy independence.
The following energy saving tips are from NW Natural Gas.
Easy ways to save energy and money throughout your home.
Taking a whole house approach to saving energy helps save you money and keeps your home at its peak comfort level. Many no cost and low cost energy saving improvements can reduce your home’s energy consumption and ease the strain on your budget during the cold weather months.Five easy changes
- Install a programmable thermostat and set it for 65-68 degrees during the day and 58-60 degrees at night.
- Change your furnace filters monthly or a minimum of 4 times a year.
- Caulk small holes and cracks around plumbing pipes, exhaust fans, dryer vents, sink and bathtub drains, fireplaces and countertops.
- Set your gas water heater thermostat to 120 degrees, or 140 degrees if you have a dishwasher that does not preheat water.
- Install high-performances shower heads and faucet aerators in all showers and sinks. You could save up to 10% on your water heating costs.
No cost energy saving tips
- Adjust vents to keep specific rooms in your home at a desired temperature. Heat rises, so you may want to partially close upstairs vents. Do not close more than 1 or 2 vents in an average sized house. Restricting airflow too much can shorten the life of your furnace.
- Use kitchen, bath and other ventilating fans only as long as needed to vent moisture or fumes, especially in winter. In just 1 hour, these fans can blow away a houseful of warm air.
- Avoid blocking heating vents and air returns with furniture, draperies or carpet.
- Operate your dishwasher, washing machine and clothes dryer with full loads only.
- Use draperies, awnings, blinds or shutters on all windows to slow the loss of heat through the glass. In winter, keep window coverings open on sunny days to let in the sun’s warmth and close them at night to insulate against cold outside temperatures.
Low cost energy saving home improvements
- Have your furnace and gas appliances serviced annually by a qualified contractor to ensure maximum energy-efficiency and safety.
- Seal your ductwork to save energy and improve comfort and air quality. Leaking ducts can waste as much as 30% of the heat your furnace produces.
- Cover hot water pipes – and the first 6 feet of cold water pipes – with pipe insulation.
- Fix defective plumbing or dripping faucets.
- Install compact fluorescent light bulbs to cut your lighting energy use by up to 75% every time you turn on the lights. You’ll save even more in the long run because they can last up to 10 times longer than your standard incandescent bulbs.