Energy Awareness Month: Use these 12 heating and cooling energy saving tips

Published Oct. 23, 2008
By Alan Mardis
Eglin Energy Manager

EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla -- With the fall season upon us and as the weather starts to cool down a bit, there are many ways to conserve energy while heating and cooling your home. Warm weather will still be prevalent on the Gulf Coast for the foreseeable future, and keep in mind we are still within what has been a very active hurricane season this year.

Despite any abrupt changes in climate that might impact when and how you choose to cool or heat your home, here are some tips that you can do to make your home energy efficient:

Cooling:

1. Keep room temperatures between 78-80 degrees. Each degree cooler adds up to 10 percent to your energy costs
2. Clean and service your air conditioning unit at least once a year
3. Clean or replace air filters every two months
4. Use fans for comfort in occupied rooms. Fan use less energy
5. Use caulk around doors and on the outside of windows to prevent air infiltration
6. Apply a weatherstrip around the doors to outside or to unused rooms to prevent loss of cooling

Heating:

1. During the daytime, raise shades or open curtains to let the sun warm your home
2. Seal wall outlets to eliminate 20 percent of air leakage
3. Close doors to rooms that are not occupied
4. Cover cold floors with rugs, carpet or linoleum
5. Feeling a little chilly? Wear several layers of clothing
6. Clean and adjust gas heaters to a blue flame

For more information on energy conservation, contact me at 883-4809.