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Energy Education Council Gives Tips on Saving Energy

Many people use energy so often that most of the time, they really don’t think about it – which they often miss opportunities to stop wasting energy and use it more efficiently.

October is Energy Awareness Month and the Energy Education Council is sharing tips to help consumers stay safe in their use of energy and help them save money by using it more efficiently.

With winter right around the corner, October is a good time to take a look at the energy used to take steps to use less of it. Steps to take to get your home ready for the cold months ahead include:

• Seal leaks between door frames and windows with weather stripping or caulk.
• Replace screens with storm windows and doors.
• Make sure the furnace and heaters are in good working order.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat.

Efficiency expert Bob Dickey, member of the Energy Education Council’s Efficiency Task Force adds, “Lighting represents as much as 25 percent of your home’s electrical use, so it’s a big part of the monthly bill. Switching to more efficient light bulbs can help keep money in your pocket. Compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) use one fourth of the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs. CFLs quickly pay for themselves and then generate longer term savings.”

National Fire Prevention Week is also during October – Oct. 9 through Oct. 15. Smoke detectors should be checked every month, and the batteries should be replaced twice a year. The National Fire Prevention Agency reports that roughly 60 percent of reported home fire deaths happened in homes with no smoke alarms or alarms that weren’t working. Also, develop and practice an escape plan twice a year in case of a fire. A good plan is known by all household members and includes an outside meeting location away from danger of the fire.

Take steps during Energy Awareness Month to stay safe and save energy. To get more information about energy tips and National Fire Prevention week, visit EnergyEdCouncil.org.

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