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Energy Conservation Tips

Energy Facts

If you live in a typical U.S. home, your appliances and home electronics are responsible for about 20% of your energy bills.

Reference: US Department of Energy

Heating and cooling account for about 56% of the energy use in a typical U.S. home, making it the largest energy expense for most homes.

Reference: US Department of Energy

Water heating can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home.

Reference: US Department of Energy

You can reduce your home's heating and cooling costs by as much as 30 percent through proper insulation and air sealing techniques.

Reference: US Department of Energy

Amount of money that would be saved if the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings improved by 10 percent: $20 billion.

Reference: Energy Star

Amount of greenhouse gas emissions that would be reduced if the energy efficiency of commercial and industrial buildings improved by 10 percent: equal to about 30 million vehicles.

Reference: Energy Star

Amount of global carbon dioxide (CO2) released into the atmosphere in 2005: 6,000 million metric tons.

  • U.S. contribution of global greenhouse gas emissions: about 20 percent.
  • U.S. population relative to the world: 5 percent.

Reference: Energy Star

  • Always look for the ENERGY STAR® and EnergyGuide labels when shopping for appliances. The ENERGY STAR® label is the government's seal of energy efficiency.
  • Turn off your computer and monitor when not in use.
  • Install white window shades, drapes, or blinds to reflect heat away from the house.
  • Take more showers than baths. Bathing uses the most hot water in the average household.
  • If heating a swimming pool, consider a swimming pool cover. Evaporation is by far the largest source of energy loss in swimming pools.
  • Use fans during the summer to create a wind chill effect that will make your home more comfortable. If you use air conditioning, a ceiling fan will allow you to raise the thermostat setting about 4° F with no reduction in comfort.
  • Install a programmable thermostat that can adjust the temperature according to your schedule.

References

  • US Department of Energy
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