Daylight Savings Time: Gain an hour of sleep in Sitka
category:Government and Politics posted:January 26th, 2006
Time to “fall back” as Daylight Saving Time ends on the first weekend in November (in 2007, that means Sunday, Nov. 4). Setting our clocks back one hour to standard time gives us an extra hour of sleep that weekend (the kind of “energy” we ALL can use!). And it’s a timely reminder that DST is meant to save energy, not just in the spring and summer months, but all year long.
While the energy offsets from DST may be reduced in fall and winter (because we’re indoors more and using electricity), there are other ways to keep your Conservation MoJo going ‘til the clock rolls back around next spring.
· For every degree you lower your thermostat, you save about 2 percent off your heating bill. Set your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees when you’re home and lower it at bedtime or when you’re out.
· Reducing air leaks can cut 10 percent from an average monthly energy bill. The most common places where air escapes homes are: floors, walls, ceilings, ducts, fireplaces, plumbing penetrations, doors, windows, fans, through-the-wall air conditioners, vents and electrical outlets.
· Keep shades and curtains open during the day on the south side of your home to allow solar heating. Close them at night to retain heat.
· Have your heating system serviced once a year and regularly replace furnace filters. During the heating season, change or clean furnace filters once a month.
· Close the fireplace damper when you’re not using it.
· Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save money on your energy bill.
· Place a sheet of aluminum foil between the radiator and the wall to reflect heat back into the room.
· Break out the sweaters!
More Great Energy Savings Resources for Sitka and Sitka county, Alaska
Learn more about Alternative Energy in this state-by-state resource.
http://www.eere.energy.gov/states/alternatives/resources_by_state.cfm
There are more tips for your home and business here.
http://www.energysavers.gov/
http://www.energysavers.gov/stateagencies.html
