Save energy when using heat Published Oct. 19, 2007 By 52nd Civil Engineer Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Conserve not only money, but also natural resources with the following Green Tips: General awareness - Create an awareness of the need for energy conservation with children. - Be aware of the need for energy conservation at home, the workplace, hotels, etc Heaters and radiators: In households 80 percent of energy costs can be contributed to heating systems. - A one-degree Celsius decrease to household heating temperatures can save six percent of the energy used for heating. To adjust to the lower temperature consider wearing warmer clothing. - In the evening, two hours before bed, lower the temperature by five-degrees Celsius. - During the day, keep doors closed to rooms that can be kept at a cooler temperature. Avoid keeping rooms too cool, or they will become damp. Recommended temperatures are: o Bedrooms -- 16° C - 18° C o Living-room, dining-room and children's-room - approximately 21° C - To ventilate correctly, open windows several times a day for a few minutes. This provided fresh air, but does not allow walls and floors to cool down. - Do not put furniture or drapes in front of the radiator; otherwise the thermostat will not measure the correct temperature of the room. - Check for leaky windows or doors which will cause heat losses. - Make use of rollo-blinds to help keep heat in and close them in the evening.