Energy Conservation 101

The American Association of Blacks in Energy ®

Mission

The American Association of Blacks in Energy (AABE) is a national association of energy professionals

founded and dedicated to ensure the input of African Americans and other minorities into the discussions

and development of energy policies, regulations, R&D technologies and environmental issues in the

United States.

Purpose • To serve as a resource for policy discussion of the economic, social and

political impact of environmental and energy policies on African Americans and other minorities.

• To ensure involvement of African Americans in governmental energy

policymaking by recommending capable, sensitive and informed personnel to appropriate officials.

• To encourage both the public and private sectors to be responsive to the

problems, goals and aspirations of African Americans in energy-related

fields.

• To encourage African American students to pursue careers in energy-related fields and to provide scholarships and other financial aid for such students.

Home Energy Usage

Heating & Cooling,

52%

Water Heating,

19%

Other, 29%

How an average homeowner’s energy $$$ are spent monthly

Heating & Cooling

•Thermostat settings

•68° Winter / 78° Summer

•3% - 5% decrease in usage for every degree of adjustment

•Install programmable thermostats (No advantage if you don’t program)

•Sealed ductwork

•Blocked vents/registers

•Dirty filters

•Service unit regularly

•Unit SEER* rating < 10

•Energy Star ~20% more efficient

*Seasonal Energy Efficiency Rating

Insulation•Attic R-30 to R-38 (12-15 inches)

•Walls R-13 (Was not required for 1978 & earlier)

•Floors R-19

•Insulation Type R-Value/Inch

•Fiberglass batts/blankets 3.2-3.5

•Loose-fill fiberglass 2.2-2.5

•Cellulose 3.7

Infiltration•Windows

•Caulk/Weather-strip

•Double pane

•Low-E (Emissivity)

•Solar coating

•Gas filled

•Doors

•Caulk/Weather-strip

•Storm doors

•Attic doors

•Electrical outlets

Lighting Wattage Comparison

Incandescent Wattage

CFL* Wattage

25 5

50 9

60 15

75 20

100 25

120 28

150 39

*Energy Star qualified CFL

•Use at least 2/3 less energy

•last up to 10 times longer

•Save $30 or more in energy costs over each bulb's lifetime •Generate 70 percent less heat

Lighting Cost Comparison

  27-Watt Compact Fluorescent

100-Watt Incandescent

Cost of Lamps $14.00 $0.50

Lamp Life 1642.5 days (4.5 years) 167 days

Annual Energy Cost $5.91 $21.90

Lamps Replaced in 4.5 years

0 10

Total Cost $40.60 $103.55

Savings Over Lamp Life

$62.95 0

Water Heating

• I want HOT water (120° F adequate)• Size tank to meet demand• Hot, filled to the rim bath

• Enjoy now, pay later• Take quick shower

• Low flow faucets/shower heads– Can reduce consumption up to 50%

• Instantaneous or Demand Water Heaters– Consider size of family– Electrical panel capacity (14kW – 30kW)– Professional installation– Circuits require professional (qualified) technician– Water minerals shorten life

UseAverage gallons of hot

water per usageTimes used

during 1 hour 

Gallons used in 1 hour

Shower 20 ×  3 = 60

Bath 20 ×   =  

Shaving 2 ×  1 = 2

Hands & face washing

4 ×  2 = 8

Hair shampoo 4 ×   =  

Hand dishwashing

4 ×   =

Automatic dishwasher

14 ×   =  

Food preparation

5 ×   =  

Automatic clothes washer

32 ×   =  

     Total Peak

Hour Demand=  70

Water Heater Sizing

Energy Star Appliances

What Makes a Product ENERGY STAR?

ENERGY STAR products are the same or better than standard products, only they use less energy. To earn the ENERGY STAR, they must meet strict energy efficiency criteria set by the US Environmental Protection Agency or the US Department of Energy. Since they use less energy, these products save you money on your electricity bill and help protect the environment by causing fewer harmful emissions from power plants. And you get the features and quality you expect.

Energy Star Appliances

Some examples:

•Qualified refrigerators are at least 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.

•Qualified TVs consume 3 watts or less when switched off, compared to a standard TV, which consumes almost 6 watts on average.

•Qualified light bulbs (CFLs) use two-thirds less energy than a standard incandescent bulb and must meet additional operating and reliability guidelines.

•Qualified furnaces offer a rating of 90% AFUE or greater, which is about 15% more efficient than the minimum federal efficiency standard.

Energy Star Qualified Home

• More Effective Insulation

• High-Performance Windows

• Tighter Construction and Ducts

• Efficient Heating and Cooling Equipment

• Lighting and Appliances

• Third-Party Verification

ENERGY STAR qualified homes achieve energy savings through established, reliable building technologies. Builders work with Home Energy Raters to select from a number of features when planning and building homes.

Energy Star Qualified Home

• 30% more energy efficient than the 1993 Model Energy Code (MEC)

• 15% more energy efficient than homes built to the 2006 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC)

• Lower Ownership Cost• Quieter Home• Higher Quality Home• More Comfortable Home• Smart Investment• Access to Energy Efficient Mortgages

Home Owner Benefits