Home EnergyCost-saving tips for reducing your home energy footprint

Climate Master Program

Last updated 1/10

Source: www.ecologygreenworld.com

Key Learning Points Our energy system is connected to a regional and

national grid – what we do matters!

Behavioral changes can reduce emissions and save money.

Changes to energy sources, equipment and appliances can reduce emissions

Dan Moorehouse, EWEB

1 kilowatt = 1000 watts in an hour

Power (kW)X

Time (hrs)=

Kilowatt Hours (kWh)

US uses 26.9 billion Megawatts/year The average home uses 10,000 kWh of energy a year

We use about 26.9 Billion Megawatts annually!

Residences use about a quarter of US energy

Where does it come from? US Power Plants

Half national electricity from worst source: Coal

Source: U.S. EPA, eGRID, year 2005 data

The US Wind Power

The US Energy: Solar Mostly in the Southwest

Hydro = Primary Northwest source

Source: EWEB

Hydro = 72% of EWEB Energy

The US Energy Grid: Power doesn’t stay put

Home Energy: temperature control and appliances

A typical Eugene resident’s home energy use:

Source: Information, Climate Leadership Initiative; Graphic, Funk Levis & Associates

Source: US Department of Energy, http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_energy.html

Heating and Cooling almost half of energy use

Prevent heat or cool from escaping

Source: Sierra Pacific

Source: Our Organic Northwest

What is the heat source? Where is heat escaping?

Thin insulation Drafts Window seals Door seals Single pane glass Chimneys

Heating/Cooling energy use – four factors1. Desired Temperature2. Length of time at that temperature3. Size of space4. Efficiency of the heating/cooling system

Only heat what need, when you need it

Turn off your heating or cooling system when you leave the house

Turn down your thermostat when you are sleeping

Only heat the space you’re in

Only turn it on when you’re there

Source: treehugger.com

Use space effectively Place furniture near heat sources Use fans to move warm air around Use curtains to help keep heat in (winter) or out

(summer)

Source: milkyourmoney.com

Regular maintenance increases efficiency

Source: ehow.com

Fireplaces Woodstoves are FIVE

times more efficient than fireplaces

Pellet Stoves are even MORE efficient

Gas stoves/fireplaces are MOST efficient

Choose a model with a blower

Source: Regency Fireplace Products

Appliances & Lights: 33% of home energy use

Source: US Department of Energy, http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_energy.html

Use efficient appliancesResearch the Energy Star

Inventory: http://www.energystar.gov search for and compare

appliances

Source: US Department of Energy

Cook efficiently Microwave = most efficient Gas stovetop more efficient than electric Smaller appliances are more efficient

Toaster oven vs full range Cooking methods

Baking is least efficient

Source: ecohomeresources.com

Washer and Dryer tips

Good Rules of Thumb: Wash, or at least rinse, in cold water. Wash full loads, don’t overload. Use the extra spin feature to reduce

drying time Clean the lint trap-install the

louvered vent covering Don’t overload the dryer Use the sun to dry your clothes

Source: GE

Source: http://www.washingmachines.us

Kill the Energy Vampires

Unplug electronics when not in use

Nearly all electronic devices draw some power load when plugged in even turned off

Recycle old devices

Light efficiently

Use daylight! Task Light Turn off lights when

you leave the room Replace

incandescent with CFLs

Recycle CFLsSource: thefuntimesguide.com

Source: diytrade.com

Refrigerator and Freezer: 11%

Fridge and Freezer draw the largest energy load Constantly in use Choose efficient models Keep it full

Easier to keep stuff cold than space Keep it closed Insure seals work well Place away from heat sources

Water Heating

Water Heater

Tips for reducing your water bills.

For each 10ºF reduction in water temperature, save between 3%–5% in energy costs

Set water temperature to 120oF not the standard 140oF

Use a water heater blanket Turn off water heater when not

in use Consider a solar water heater

Tools for Saving Energy Programmable thermostat Hot water thermometer Kilowatt meter Refrigerator/freezer

thermometer Switch and outlet sealers

Resources State of Oregon Residential Energy Tax Credits (RETC)

http://www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/RES/RETC.shtml

EWEB www.eweb.org

Home Energy Calculator www.epud.org

Energy Trust of Oregon www.energytrust.org

Environmental Protection Agency www.epa.gov

Climate Leadership Institute www.climateleadership.org

We Can Take Action and Make a Difference.

PowerPoint designed by the Climate Leadership Initiative at http://climlead.uoregon.edu