GOV. RITTER PROCLAIMS OCTOBER "ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH"

Top Ten Winter Energy Saving Tips for Homeowners

  

Recognizing that homeowners will face higher heating and utility costs this winter, Gov. Bill Ritter has proclaimed October as "Energy Awareness Month" and is promoting 10 energy saving tips for homeowners during the upcoming winter heating season.

 

"Energy efficiency is the best defense for homeowners during the winter heating season to combat rising energy costs," Gov. Ritter said. "October is the start of the heating season for many Coloradans and I encourage them to take simple steps to reduce their energy usage, costs and make their homes more comfortable."

 

In partnership with Xcel Energy, the Governor's Energy Office has prepared the following tips for homeowners: "Top Ten Winter Energy Saving Tips:

 

"No Cost:"

1.      Set your thermostat to 68°.

2.      Set your water heater to 120°.

3.      In the winter, to make the most of Mother Nature's sunlight by opening window coverings on south-facing windows to warm your home.

4.      If you have a clothes washing machine, use cold water.

 

"Low Cost":

5.      Replace your furnace or heat pump filter regularly. 

6.      Install water-efficient showerheads and faucets.  

7.      Switch to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. 

8.      Weatherize your home by weather-stripping doors and sealing windows.  

 

"Go Big":

9.      Insulate your home! 

10.  Purchase ENERGY STAR® appliances.

"Saving money and energy at home can be simple. I encourage all Coloradans to take steps to save money by being more energy efficient."

 

To learn more ways to save money at home, visit the Governor's Energy Office website, www.colorado.gov/energy or Xcel Energy,www.xcelenergy.com.

 

Here is Gov. Ritter's proclamation:

OCTOBER IS ENERGY AWARENESS MONTH

"Top Ten Winter Energy Saving Tips for Homeowners"

Whereas, Coloradans incur an increase of cost for heating and powering their homes during the winter months, beginning in October, and with the rising costs of energy, including natural gas, propane, and electricity, the people of Colorado seek measures to help them with this burden, and,

 

Whereas, energy efficiency is the best preparation against winter heating costs, and,

 

Whereas, energy efficiency is the foundation of Colorado's New Energy Economy, and as citizens of this great state we can take simple steps, as outlined in the Top Ten Winter Energy Saving Tips to reduce energy costs and carbon emissions, through these steps, I encourage homeowners to prepare this month through by adopting these no-cost tips:

 

1.      Set your thermostat to 68°.

2.      Set your water heater to 120°.

3.      In the winter, to make the most of Mother Nature's sunlight by opening window coverings on south-facing windows to warm your home.  

4.      If you have a clothes washing machine, use cold water.     

 

Whereas, homeowners may use these low-cost tips:

 

5.      Replace your furnace or heat pump filter regularly. 

6.      Install water-efficient showerheads and faucets.  

7.      Switch to compact fluorescent light (CFL) bulbs. 

8.      Weatherize your home by weather-stripping doors and sealing windows.  

 

Whereas, homeowners may use these tips that bring savings through some investment:

 

9.      Insulate your home! 

10.  Purchase ENERGY STAR® appliances, and,

 

Whereas, Energy Awareness Month encourages everyone to work together to make wise energy choices.  Taking action is not only a long-term goal, it results in a number of immediate benefits: it enhances economic vitality; increases national energy security; and improves environmental quality.

 

Now, therefore, I, Bill Ritter, Jr., Governor of the State of Colorado, do hereby proclaim October 2008 as Energy Awareness Month and urge citizens to prepare winter heating by taking energy efficient measures, in order to reduce costs,  improve the energy efficiency and the comfort of their homes, as well as ensure a better future for generations to come.

 

Given under my hand, tis 3rd of day of October, 2008

 

Bill Ritter, Jr.

Governor