What You Can Do to Help AU Conserve Energy During the Annual Holiday Closure

• Ensure that all sinks, showers, or other water faucets are turned off. Domestic hot water temperatures will be set at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Toilets that run continuously (flushing without stopping or making a draining noise) waste vast amounts of water—up to 200 gallons of water each day, and sometimes more. Report any issues or leaks to 2FIX (202-885-2439).   

• Switch off all non-critical lighting (critical lighting = life safety, security, etc.).  Turn off room and bathroom lights when you’re ready to leave for break. Switch off any personal lamps. This also will keep the bulbs from burning out when you are away. 

• Disconnect all non-critical electrical equipment, appliances, and unnecessary plug loads from receptacles. Be sure to unplug phone chargers, laptop chargers, TVs, and video game consoles, as they consume “vampire energy”—inactive devices still consume electricity. Using a power strip with an on/off switch is an easy way to ensure all inactive devices are not using power. Note: Facilities Management staff will leave refrigerators as found, whether plugged or unplugged. However, we recommend that you clean, defrost, dry-out, and unplug them. Unauthorized space heaters that are plugged in may be removed by Facilities Management staff.   

• Close all exterior doors, windows, and openings securely. Open windows allow cold air to enter the room, forcing the heating system to run when no one is there. Ensuring there are no paths for air from outside to enter a space is an easy way to maintain HVAC efficiency.  It also helps prevent water damage and freezing pipes. 

• Reduce space temperatures to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit, and as low as 50 degrees, wherever possible. This can be done manually by lowering the local thermostats or other heating/ventilation device controls. Additionally, keep blinds closed, as they will act as insulation and help retain heat.    

• Set fans (e.g., HVAC units in building lobbies and under residence windows) to low-speed modes where possible. Ensure that the HVAC units are not blocked by clothing, towels, bookshelves, etc. Please do not turn these units off.