|
COLLEGE STUDENTS When you live in a dorm, it seems like many of the energy-consuming apparatuses are out of your control. However, you would be surprised how much energy the following tips will save. Turn your lights of when you leave a room. Use compact fluorescent lights. Turn your computer off at night and when you are not using it. Even machines in sleep mode consume up to 30 Watts per hour. Despite common belief, frequent on-off switching will not damage the equipment. If you have to leave it on to process data or receive information, turn off the monitor. The monitor accounts for up to two-thirds of the power a computer uses. Activate sleep mode on computers, printers, and copiers. They are often shipped with this feature disabled. Consult your owner's manual or speak to your computer company's help line to activate it. Print only what you need. Manage information and do research electronically as much as possible. Also, try to edit versions of papers on the computer. Look for energy efficiency ratings on new purchases. If you are in the market for a new computer, printer, small refrigerator, or other energy-consuming appliance, check for the energy efficiency. The higher the number, the better the appliance is at saving energy. Keep the windows closed during the winter! It is often very hot in residence halls in the winter because the heating system is set at a high temperature. If you open your windows, the heating system will waste an enormous amount of energy attempting to heat the residence hall to the programmed temperature. Instead, try wearing lightweight clothing around your hall. Wash full loads of laundry. Wait until you have a full load of laundry to do. Not only will you save energy by cutting down on the number of loads you wash, but you will also save money! Use the stairs instead of the elevator. This is a great way to be energy conscious and get exercise at the same time. Report instances of energy waste to Residence Management. If you notice a waste of energy in your hall that you cannot correct, report it to your hall director or the residence assistant on duty. They will be able to go through the proper channels to stop the waste of energy. Take shorter showers. This will conserve water and energy. It will also help prevent dry skin in the winter. |