October is Energy Awareness Month!
The
U.S. Department of Energy sponsors this national event to teach us
energy-reducing habits. This year, Hawaiian Electric Co. (HECO) brought
the effort to the Islands with its third annual Live Energy Lite
celebration on Oct. 7.
Live entertainment, games and interactive exhibits presented energy-saving tips to local homeowners.
Energy
Awareness Month began in 1981 as a federal program to educate
government staffers about energy-saving practices. As the nation’s
single largest energy consumer, the fed aimed to reduce its own energy
use to lead by example. Now, state and local governments, private
companies and homeowners nationwide are participating in the month-long
event.
In
case you missed the HECO celebration, the Federal Energy Management
Program (FEMP) offers these tips to help reduce energy consumption in
your home:
Start today:
• Turn down your water heater’s temperature to the warm, 120-degree setting.
• Use energy-saving settings on refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers.
• Swap incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescents.
This month:
• Purchase a water-heater insulation blanket and low-flow showerheads.
• Seal leaks and caulk leaking windows.
• Insulate hot-water pipes and ducts.
Throughout the year:
• Add insulation to exterior walls and in the attic.
• Replace aging appliances with Energy Star® rated appliances.
• Upgrade windows.
• Plant shade trees on the west side of your home to reduce the need for air conditioning.
Remember, every little bit helps!
For more helpful information on how you can save energy and participate in Energy Awareness Month, check out FEMP’s Web site at www.eere.energy.gov, or HECO at www.heco.com
