Conserving energy at home Published Oct. 20, 2006 By 1st Lt. Amanda Ferrell 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. -- According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average American family spends an estimated $1,500 a year on home energy bills. But Americans don't have to waste money if they conserve energy, say DOE officials. By making minor lifestyle changes and upgrading appliances and construction of existing homes with more energy-efficient products, American consumers can drastically reduce the expense of energy. The Alliance to Save Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency propose easy methods for conserving energy and encourage homeowners to act on the information. The basics still apply - turn off electric devices such as computer screens, lights and televisions when you are not using them. According to the Alliance to Save Energy, cooling your home in the summer months puts the most stress on your energy bill. The ASE advises homeowners to maintain their air conditioning equipment to save the cost and inconvenience of a breakdown during the hottest days. Cleaning or replacing filters every month will also increase the efficiency of air conditioning, heating and ventilation systems. For central air conditioning systems, the ASE suggests purchasing those with a Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio of 12 or higher. Also suggested are Energy Star-certified ceiling fans, which provide additional cooling and better air circulation. Ceiling fan models with energy-efficient lighting are particularly smart buys. Other suggestions for energy conservation are to plant leafy trees and vines around your home and to install reflective tiles on your roof and adequate insulation in your home, especially in your attic -- which can reach temperatures of 115 degrees or higher. Closing blinds or shades on the south and west-facing windows of your house during the day and installing shading devices such as trellises or awnings will help keep your home cooler or warmer depending on the season. Shifting energy-intensive tasks such as laundry and dishwashing to off-peak energy demand hours during nights and on weekends will reduce the power strain on local power grids. The ASE also recommends purchasing room air conditioners, major appliances, lighting, windows, home electronics and office equipment that are Energy Star-certified. Doing so may cut your energy bills by 30 percent, according to ASE analysts. "The financial and environmental rewards from conserving energy are immediate," said Timothy Adams, Headquarters Air Force Civil Engineer Agency contractor. "By saving a watt, we save dollars and reduce our green house gas emissions, which are all good things. But these behavior changes need constant reinforcement and incentives to have any long term effect. We must remember our energy independence depends on all of us doing our part." "Energy conservation is here to stay," said Gilbert Walker, 325th Civil Engineer Squadron energy and utilities manager. "Our national security and our need to be energy independent requires that each and everyone of us do our part to conserve."