Daylight savings isn't just about time

Daylight Savings Time has blessed us with longer evenings. This is a great opportunity to take control over some of your homes energy consumption. If you have timers on some of your interior light fixtures adjust them to turn on an hour later. If you have a programmable thermostat adjust the schedule to take advantage of the longer days. With the Sun positioned higher (and getting higher every day now) in the sky at later times in the evening buildings hold their residual heat longer. This means they cool down later, so you don’t need your heater to kick in until later in the day. Another benefit of this time of year is the fact the atmosphere is more saturated with water than the winter months. Humid air feels warmer then dry air. Because of this phenomenon an indoor air temperature of 68 degrees in the spring and summer months feels like 70 degrees in the cooler seasons. Two degrees is significant and can save you hundreds in energy costs by reducing the indoor climate of your home.

Longer days also means you can be more active outdoors. Instead of driving to the gym at 6pm have a catch with your kids or take a walk with your partner. Play “fetch” with your dog or walk to your communities basketball court and imagine you’re in the Final Four with your favorite colleges hoops team. You’ll be surprised how just being outside can lift your spirits and make you feel healthier.