Energy Efficiency Day is Coming Up on October 5! Here's How You Can Participate.
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Energy Efficiency Day is Coming Up on October 5! Here's How You Can Participate.
The third annual Energy Efficiency Day (#EEDAY2018) is coming up on October 5. Last year, more than 300 local governments, organizations, and corporations joined us in celebrating the environmental and economic benefits of energy efficiency practices, and the U.S. Senate passed a resolution officially recognizing the day. The Alliance is proud to be a member of the steering committee organizing Energy Efficiency Day.
Increasing energy productivity – including through energy efficiency – is the cheapest, fastest, and simplest way to meet both our environmental and economic goals. Energy efficiency reduces energy waste – saving costs for families and businesses, improving air quality indoors and out, reducing environmental impacts from fossil fuel use, and increasing grid reliability and resiliency. And it’s creating jobs in every county in the United States, with more than 2.25 million Americans working in energy-efficiency jobs in construction, manufacturing, sales, and more.
Energy Efficiency Day is a great time to get the word out. Here are some ways you can participate on October 5!
Share on Social Media with Friends and Family
Join the conversation and celebrate Energy Efficiency Day by posting on Facebook or Twitter using #EEDay2018. Download graphics and sample tweets for easy sharing with the social media toolkit.
Connect with your Elected Officials
Encourage your elected officials to issue an Energy Efficiency Day Proclamation. Download a sample proclamation to send to your mayor, governor, or other officials.
Five Low to No-Cost Ways to Boost Household Energy Efficiency
1. Lightbulb Upgrade: Outdated incandescent lightbulbs are extremely inefficient because they produce so much heat. Modern LED bulbs are 90 percent more efficient than incandescent bulbs and can last up to 25 times longer. Save $75 on annual energy bills by switching just five of your household’s most frequently used bulbs to LEDs.
2. Laundry Adjustments: Without replacing your appliances, you can optimize their energy efficiency. Washing machines use nearly the same amount of energy no matter the size of the load, so fill it up whenever possible. Ninety percent of the energy used to run a washer comes from heating the water. Washing with cold water can reduce energy use by more than half. Turn your water heater down to 120 degrees Fahrenheit to save energy when you do wash with warm or hot water. Dry your clothes on a rack or outdoors when possible. When using a dryer, select the high spin option on the washer to reduce drying time.
3. Plug into a Power Strip: Even when you turn a television or computer off, they continue to use electricity. This sneaky “standby power” is responsible for up to 10 percent of home energy use. To reduce standby power, unplug appliances or use a power strip with an on/off switch. This can save the average household $100 each year.
4. Clean Those Filters: Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems account for 48 percent of home energy use, so making sure these systems are working properly is key. Clean or replace filters monthly during high intensity cooling or heating seasons to maintain efficiency and lengthen the lifespan of your heating and cooling system.
5. Turn the Thermostat Down: Being more aware of your thermostat can save energy and money without sacrificing comfort. Turn the temperature down seven to ten degrees for eight hours each day and save up to 10 percent on annual heating and cooling costs. Do this while away from the house or while you are sleeping. Install a programable thermostat to make adjusting home temperatures even easier.
Visit energyefficiencyday.org for more ways to save on your next energy bill – and happy Energy Efficiency Day!
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Energy efficiency is smart, nonpartisan, and practical. So are we. Our strength comes from an unparalleled group of Alliance Associates working collaboratively under the Alliance umbrella to pave the way for energy efficiency gains.
The power of efficiency is in your hands. Supporting the Alliance means supporting a vision for using energy more productively to achieve economic growth, a cleaner environment, and greater energy security, affordability, and reliability.