October is Energy Awareness Month

October is designated as Energy Awareness Month.  During the month, everyone is encouraged to take steps to conserve energy because using energy wisely makes sense - both environmentally and economically. Celebrate Energy Awareness Month by learning more about how you use energy and how to make your energy choices more efficient.  Here are some energy tips for the home and office:

Home:

  • Turn down the temperature of your water heater to the warm setting (120°F).
  • Turn off the lights in unoccupied rooms.
  • Unplug equipment that drains energy when not in use (i.e. cell phone chargers, fans, coffeemakers, desktop printers, radios, etc.).
  • Install a programmable thermostat that can be adjusted to temperatures according to your schedule.
  • During winter, open curtains on your south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your home, and close them at night to reduce the chill you may feel from cold windows.
  • Clean or replace filters in your furnace, air conditioner, and heat pump.

Office:

  • Switch off all unnecessary lights when not in use to reduce energy use and costs (e.g. turn off lights when you leave at night.)
  • Use natural lighting or day-lighting. When feasible, turn off lights near windows.
  • Use task lighting; instead of brightly lighting an entire room, focus the light where you need it, to directly illuminate work areas.
  • Close or adjust window blinds to block direct sunlight to reduce cooling needs during warm months. Overhangs or exterior window covers are most effective to block sunlight on south-facing windows.
  • In the winter months, open blinds on south-facing windows during the day to allow sunlight to naturally heat your workspace. At night, close the blinds to reduce heat loss.
  • Turn off your computer, speakers, and monitors at the end of the work day.

Visit the Energy.gov website from more fall and winter energy-saving tips.