Conserving, reducing energy one day at a time

  • Published
  • By Lt. Col. Eric Johnson
  • 341st Civil Engineer Squadron
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  Editor's Note: This is the second article in a two-part series of articles addressing fuel efficiency and energy saving tips. 

Have you left your curtains or blinds down in the winter on the south-facing windows?
Have you watered your lawn in the heat of the day between 2 and 4 p.m.? 

If you answered "yes" to any of these questions, you are not as green as you could be. 

Here are some pointers to become more energy efficient and help you be better stewards of Planet Earth. Many of these pointers apply to both work and personal life.
Heating and cooling the home 

Summer (heat): Windows facing the south should have blinds or shades drawn or closed during the hottest part of the day while north facing windows can have blinds/shades open. On hot days open only the shady part of the home's windows when trying to circulate and bring in cooler air; and truly think about whether or not you really need to put on the air conditioning. Many people put on or leave the air conditioning running without thinking of it regardless if the weather outside is comfortable enough to open the windows. 

· Close south windows to sunshine; 

· Open windows in shady portions of home; and 

· Easy on the air conditioning. 

Winter (cold): Basically use the opposite of the summer rules; south-facing windows should let in the sunshine, while the north-facing windows should have the blinds or shades closed. 

· Open south windows to sunshine; and 

· Close north windows to insulate the home better. 

Water usage: Conserve water all the time and in every way. Don't let the shower run for several minutes before getting in. Consider rinsing off in the shower while soaping up; in fact, this is the best way toward self-hygiene and it saves water (and water heating bills). People shouldn't let the faucet run while brushing their teeth, washing their face or while shaving. Turn the water off when not actually using it; turn it on only when needed to use it for rinsing. 

· Let the shower run only long enough for the water to warm up, then get in immediately. 

· Run the shower only long enough to wet yourself sufficiently; then turn it off while soaping up - turn on shower only to rinse off. 

· Shut off running faucets until needed for rinsing. 

Watering the lawn: The best time to water the lawn is during the early morning hours, and it is best to turn on the sprinkler before it gets light outside. The lawn needs a deep soaking, perhaps 45 minutes per area and water only about twice a week to "train" the grass to grow deep roots. Many people water their lawns during the afternoon or evening; however 80 percent of the water is lost to evaporation when watering during the height of the afternoon heat. In order to soak the lawn with 200 gallons of water, 1,000 gallons would be needed to do it. For people who water at night or late in the day when evaporation is low, their grass has a greater tendency to develop fungal and mold growths, killing root growth and the grass itself. 

· Water only during early morning hours, preferably before the sun comes up. 

· Never water the lawn in the height of a hot sunny day - 80 percent of the water evaporates. 

· Never water the lawn at night - fungus/mold ruins the grass. This may not be a problem in Montana due to the very dry climate.
 
Recycle and reuse: Many people buy bottled water and they either throw away or recycle the empty bottles; however, it's better to recycle the bottles than to throw them away. It is much better to reuse the bottles than recycle them. People should get a home water filter or even a machine that distills water. Just think of how much money can be saved by providing a personal water source at home water rather than buying bottled water. Spend some and save more by using a water filter or purifier. 

· Get a house, sink or faucet water filter and use water from it. 

· Reuse old water bottles by putting filtered or distilled water in them. 

· Recycle empty bottles; don't throw them away!