Welcome to BConserves, an on-line resource dedicated to energy conservation efforts at Boston College, with tips for saving energy and articles of interest about conservation on campus. If you have a practical idea for conserving energy, contact Utilities Manager Deirdre Manning at deirdre.manning@bc.edu.
Cold Weather Tips to Cut Down on Wasted Energy
- If you have a thermostat, in the colder months turn it down when you leave for the day. Every degree by which the thermostat is lowered saves 2 percent. Report all overheating to the Boston College Work Order Center at ext. 2-3048.
- Do not block radiators or heating vents with furniture or draperies.
- Close and lock all operable windows. By locking the window, you are forming a tighter seal. If the window is broken or won’t lock properly, please report it to the Boston College Work Order Center at ext. 2-3048.
- Open the shades and use natural light whenever you can during winter days. Close shades at night to help insulate and reduce drafts.
Tips for All Seasons
- When they’re not in use, turn off—or where possible unplug—items (other than computers) that consume electricity: lights, individual coffee makers, televisions and other electronic equipment. Laptops, battery chargers, TVs, stereos and other electronics continue to draw electricity when plugged in. In particular, unplug laptops and chargers (cell phone, iPod, Palm Pilot, et. al.) when you are not recharging the batteries.
- Turn off your computer monitor when it is not in use.
- Review requirements and assignments for turning off office equipment such as printers, copiers and other equipment.
- Turn off office, classroom and task lights when not in use.
- When possible use task lights, with compact fluorescent lighting, rather than overhead lights. Open office blinds for natural light.
- Run full loads in washers and dryers. Use “warm” instead of “hot” water settings whenever possible.
When It Gets Warmer...
- Close drapes and blinds to keep out direct sunlight during the day.
- Keep windows closed during the heat of the day.
- Set air conditioner thermostats only as high as is comfortable in the summer.
- Turn the air conditioner off 30 minutes before you leave.
- Don't set your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner. It will not cool any faster.
- Limit the opening of refrigerators.
- Use a toaster-oven or small microwave when cooking small to moderately sized meals.
- Please continue to turn off lights and appliances (not computers) when you leave a room and unplug chargers when not in use.
