Energy Lesson Six

Energy Conservation and Efficiency 

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends close to $1300 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. By using a few inexpensive energy conservation and energy efficiency measures, we can reduce our energy bills by 10-50% and, at the same time, help reduce air pollution, protect our energy security, and ensure energy supplies for the future (U.S. Department of Energy, 2003).

Energy conservation and energy efficiency are two ways we can reduce the amount of energy we waste. Energy conservation is the act of using less energy, for example, by turning off lights when leaving a room or walking instead of driving. Energy efficiency has to do with the amount of energy that enters a machine or appliance that is actually used to perform its function and the amount that is wasted. For example, a car that gets 35 miles per gallon is more energy efficient than one that gets 25 miles per gallon. By choosing energy-efficient electrical appliances, heating and cooling systems, vehicles, and other products, we can complete the same task as a standard product, but with less energy.

ENERGY STAR products meet energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and U.S. Department of Energy. These products use less energy than comparable products although they are sometimes more expensive to purchase. The payback time, the amount of time it takes to recuperate the added cost of the product in energy savings, can be calculated to help you make purchasing decisions.

There are dozens of simple ways to conserve energy and increase the energy efficiency of homes, schools, or businesses. Simple acts like turning off the lights and equipment upon leaving a room, unplugging appliances that consume energy when not in use, identifying and fixing air leaks, maintaining heating and cooling systems, cleaning light fixtures, using natural daylight where possible, and purchasing energy efficient light bulbs and appliances not only save energy, but also save money. Calculating payback time or cost recovery can be a useful incentive for implementing energy conservation and efficiency measures.

More Ways to Conserve Energy and Increase Energy Efficiency

• Vacuum refrigerator condenser coils once a year.

• Don’t leave the refrigerator door open.

• Insulate hot water pipes.

• Keep your fireplace damper closed unless a fire is going.

• Use passive solar design techniques to heat your home.

• Keep all south facing windows clean.

• Consider using insulating curtains to reduce excessive heat loss from large windows at night.

• Turn off appliances and equipment upon leaving a room.

• Caulk, seal, and weatherstrip all seams, cracks, and openings to the outside.

• Replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient compact fluorescent bulbs.

• Use task lighting instead of brightly lighting an entire room.

• When shopping for new appliances, always check for the ENERGY STAR label.

• Set your thermostat as low as is comfortable in the winter.

• Turn ventilation fans off as soon as they have done the job.

• Use duct tape to repair and seal your heating and cooling ducts.

• Use a kill-a-watt meter to identify appliances that use “phantom” watts and then unplug those appliances when not in use.

• Use a programmable thermostat.

• Repair leaky faucets.

• Install nonaerating, low-flow faucets and showerheads.

• Take short showers instead of baths.

• Plant evergreen trees and shrubs on the north and west sides of your house to deflect winter winds.

• Wash and dry full loads of clothes.

• Wash clothes in cold water.

• Clean the lint filter in the dryer after every load.

• Hang your laundry outside to dry.

• Let your dishes air dry in your dishwasher.

• Use a covered kettle or pan to boil water.

• Match the size of the pan to the heating element.

• Make sure your refrigerator door seals are clean.