Conserving energy at home and away Published Oct. 16, 2008 By the 4th Civil Engeneering Squadron 4th Civil Engeneering Squadron SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- October is national Energy Awareness Month. In recognition of this and to help you help Seymour Johnson AFB conserve energy, the base Energy Office is reaching out daily in October to make you aware. In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Home electronic products use energy when they're off to power features like clock displays and remote controls. With today's large televisions, game systems, DVRs, VCRs, and stereos, home entertainment now consumes 5-10% of the average home's electric usage. Yes, that plasma television continues to consume energy just so it can be ready for you to press the power button on the remote. For rarely used electronic equipment, it is recommended that you truly turn the equipment off using power strips. Chargers used to charge up cell phones, laptops, radios, batteries, etc. still use electricity when plugged in, even if the device being charged is not connected. These are referred to as phantom electric loads. These chargers have transformers that continue to draw power if plugged in. Does your charger stay warm even when no device is actually charging? This is because the transformer is still drawing a charge. Don't use electricity unnecessarily. Unplug the charger when not in use. The improper use of bathroom exhaust fans can be a big waste of energy. In just one hour, a bathroom exhaust fan can remove a household of warmed or cooled air. This causes your HVAC system to work harder than necessary. Remember to turn the exhaust fan off when no longer needed. A humidifier in the winter, either on your gas furnace or as a separate unit, can help control heating costs. You'll feel warmer in moist air, allowing you to set your thermostat lower. To find ways to help your family and Seymour Johnson AFB conserve natural gas, Click on http://www.piedmontng.com/eprise/main/piedmontng/residential/aboutNaturalGasSection/energyTips. Heating and cooling your home is by far the number one consumer of energy in your home. Below is the breakdown for the average home: · 60% - heating and cooling · 16% - water heater · 12% - refrigerator · 7% - lights · 5% - home electronics With heating and cooling such a large part of your energy consumption, it is very important to properly maintain your HVAC system. Air movement is the key to efficient HVAC operation. Change your filter monthly. How can you conserve more energy? Click on the link http://apps1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/your_home/electricity/index.cfm/mytopic=11140 to find ways to help your family and Seymour Johnson AFB conserve electricity. In addition to the previous links, check out http://edash/ for information on energy conservation and look out for more to come throughout the month of October.