The fact is, global warming / climate weirdness is happening; and it is quite clear recent big changes are caused by us. Independent measurements agree the average temperature of the whole world is steadily going up. Warmer air holds more water vapor given off by warming oceans and lakes. Wetter air causes more powerful storms (tornadoes in Massachusetts! as well as hurricanes and superstorms like Sandy.) In winter, that means heavier snows, even though the average winter weather is not always so cold as it used to be.
You know the rest of the bad news, but don’t get to feeling helpless. You’re not. There is a lot everybody can do. Happily, much of what saves energy, cutting our use of fossil fuels, also saves us money. But, that means becoming aware of how we are wasting energy without realizing it and then making a lot of little changes in the way we lead our lives, which takes effort.
Watch this space, every month, for ways you can join in Humanity’s great task by paradoxically little changes in habits. Just as many little drops of water make a mighty ocean, little changes in daily living made by a lot of people can have a big effect.
Let’s get started saving energy (and money) indoors at home, keeping temperatures comfortable.
1. Get a free Energy Audit from Cape Light Compact (just call 1-800-797-6699.) An expert will examine all the ways your house admits and loses too much heat and will explain how to get them fixed - some for free - many at a subsidized low cost.
2. Open south-facing shades / curtains during the day and close them at night to make the most use of the sun's energy during cold weather. In the summer, close these shades during the day.
3. In hot weather, use electric fans before turning on an air conditioner (A/C) then keep fans on and set A/C no lower than 70° - try 75° and higher settings when you are away during the day. During the heating season, turn thermostats down to 55° at night and when you will be away for a large part of the day; during the day in occupied areas, set it no higher than 68° and dress warmly. A difference of two degrees can reduce a home's CO2 emissions by up to nine percent over the course of a year.
4. If you have Venetian blinds, close them in hot weather or angle them upwards. That way, light is reflected upward into the room; and direct rays of the sun are not let in.
5. Keep heat low and A/C off in unused rooms; close their doors and shades.
6. Keep furnace and A/C tuned and operating efficiently with annual cleaning and service. Clean or change the air filter every month on a warm-air heating system during winter. Follow this procedure for air conditioning units during the summer.
Next month: Tips about lighting.