As we move into the halfway mark of Energy Efficiency Month, I am celebrating on October 15th by being part of a panel discussion in Washington, DC, for the conservation of energy and the solutions to attaining this global goal.

Asked to join the panel to give insight for reducing energy use by homeowners, I will be sharing my thoughts and suggestions on different products and techniques available for new construction builders as well as for homeowners thinking of ways to bring their energy bills down.

While there, I will also tour the U.S Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon Homes that have been erected in the Mall. The Solar Decathlon is made up of 20 college and university teams in a competition to design, build, and operate the most attractive and energy-efficient solar-powered house. To see what these students are up to, go to www.solardecathlon.org.

This is an exciting time to be mindful of the popular adage: Our greatest source of immediate energy can be provided through conservation.

Here are some popular and quick fixes for your home:

• Caulk those doors and windows.
• Turn off the lights if you’re leaving the room.
• Plug all your TV components into a power strip and turn the strip off before going to bed.
• Install a ceiling fan to help air flow in your room so you can turn down the thermostat in the winter and up in the summer.
• When using smaller pots and pans, use the smaller burners on your stove.
• Install insulation pads behind all your light switches and wall receptacles.
• Check your attic and floor insulation to make sure it is in good condition and hasn’t begun sagging or is crushed with things stored on top of it.

If we can all do just a few simple things, the dividends to the planet and your pocketbook can really add up!

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