October is National Energy Awareness Month

October is National Energy Awareness Month. As the temperatures begin to drop, 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 sustainably managing the nation’s energy resources. Today, we continue the effort to look for ways to optimize energy resilience and security by using advanced and distributed energy technologies.

We look not only to federal agencies, such as the Federal Energy Management Program, to provide leadership and meet federal energy efficiency and renewable energy laws and requirements on a large scale perspective, but also carry a responsibility to the efficient management of energy use in our own homes.

How can  you conserve energy during the fall and winter months?

• Home 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 you can do a simple energy audit, yourself. By analyzing energy consumption and implementing efficiency upgrades, it is possible to save up to 30 percent on utility bills.

• 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 properly maintained 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.

• Utilize a smart 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 8 hours a day, and when you are sleeping.  Programmable thermostats, LED lights, and other energy efficient products are available in AEP Energy Reward Store.  You can get access to the online store and earn Reward Dollars by becoming a customer.

• Decrease 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
  • During the holidays, use ENERGY STAR® certified LED light strings for more energy efficient and cost saving decor.

Enjoy Autumn and make the season even better by becoming more energy efficiency conscious. You might even save a little money, too!

Sources:
www.energy.gov

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