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It's Time to Spring Forward

Daylight savings time starts this weekend and reminds us that spring and warmer weather is just around the corner. We have already experienced a few warm days, and even though I enjoyed them, it should not be 70 degrees in February in Ohio. Even before the time jumps forward an hour, we are seeing longer days with more time in the afternoon/evening to get outside.

First a little history about Daylight Savings time. It was started in Europe and then the United States for a short while during WWI to conserve energy (The U.S. Tried Permanent Daylight Saving Time Before. Here’s What Happened) and then again during WWII to conserve energy (The U.S. Tried Permanent Daylight Saving Time Before. Here’s What Happened). “In 1966, the Uniform Time Act made it U.S. policy to observe six months of Daylight Saving Time and six months of Standard Time.” This is the time change schedule most of us are used to, even though it was extended in 2007 to add 4 weeks of Daylight Savings Time (The U.S. Tried Permanent Daylight Saving Time Before. Here’s What Happened). The Sunshine Protection Act is back in the headlines which would make Daylight Savings Time year round. As with everything, there are pros and cons to this idea. Sunset being close to 6pm on the Winter Solstice would be great but Sunrise at 9 am would be a struggle for many.

Now that we have had a little history about Daylight Savings and more importantly the reason for Daylight Savings Time, energy conservation, let’s look at a few ideas we can institute to conserve energy in our homes and businesses as we move out of the doldrums of winter and into the longer and warmer days of spring and summer.

  • Use sunlight to light your space by opening curtains and blinds.
  • Make sure to adjust timers for lights or smart light bulbs. This can be tricky because you may not notice them come on because of the sunlight.
  • As always, adjust your thermostat 1-2 degrees up or down depending on whether you are cooling or heating your space.
  • Give your HVAC system a check up.
  • Make sure to clean your air filters and vents regularly, which can help your HVAC system run more efficiently.
  • Use smart power strips or unplug electronics and appliances when not in use.
  • Get outside to take a walk.
  • Get outside and get your garden or flower beds ready for planting.
  • If you work remotely, take your work outside, just remember to turn off the lights.

Daylight Savings Time is a great reminder of longer and warmer warmer days ahead. It’s also important to remember that Daylight Savings Time was created to conserve energy. So keep that in mind this weekend as you spring forward.

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