8 pages

English

HOME ENERGY AUDIT

Orro - Bridgette Steffen

Le téléchargement nécessite un accès à la bibliothèque YouScribe
Tout savoir sur nos offres

8 pages

English

Le téléchargement nécessite un accès à la bibliothèque YouScribe
Tout savoir sur nos offres

A propos
Informations
Extrait

Description

www.utahcleanenergy.org IS YOUR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT? Complete the following home energy walk-thru to find simple ways to SAVE ENERGY, SAVE MONEY, & REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT. The Fast Facts section provides additional information of the energy saving action. Visit www.utahcleanenergy.org for a more comprehensive version of this audit. Not DateAction Done Done Comp. Fast Facts LIGHTINGIf every US household replaced 5 lights with ENERGY STAR bulbs, we could prevent the I have replaced my 10 most frequently used annual output of more than 21 power plants! incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star CFLs give off the same amount of light and you Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs), which can save around $25 in energy costs per CFL are 2/3 more energy efficient and last 10 bulb. CFLs are not appropriate for all fixtures, times as long. including those with dimmers or motion detectors.Nearly 10 % of the average home’s electricity I turn the lights off when I am not in the costs can be controlled with the flip of a light room.switch.REFRIGERATOR & APPLIANCES Refrigerators account for 10% of your energy My refrigerator and appliances are bill, and refrigerators built prior to 1990 can use ENERGY STAR rated. two to three times more energy than new energy efficient models.By discontinuing the use of a second refrigerator, you can save about $150 a year on your electricity bill and prevent 4500 pounds of global warming ...

Informations

Publié par	Orro
Nombre de lectures	138
Langue	English

Extrait

IS YOUR HOME ENERGY EFFICIENT?

www.utahcleanenergy.org

Complete the following home energy walk-thru to find simple ways to SAVE ENERGY, SAVE MONEY, & REDUCE YOUR CARBON FOOTPRINT. TheFast Factssection provides additional information of the energy saving action. Visit www.utahcleanenergy.org for a more comprehensive version of this audit. Not Date Action Done Done Comp. Fast Facts LIGHTING If every US household replaced 5 lights with ENERGY STAR bulbs, we could prevent the I have replaced my 10 most frequently used annual output of more than 21 power plants! incandescent light bulbs with Energy Star CFLs give off the same amount of light and you Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs), which can save around $25 in energy costs per CFL are 2/3 more energy efficient and last 10 bulb. CFLs are not appropriate for all fixtures, times as long. including those with dimmers or motion detectors. Nearly 10 % of the average home’s electricity I turn the lights off when I am not in the costs can be controlled with the flip of a light room. switch. REFRIGERATOR & APPLIANCES Refrigerators account for 10% of your energy My refrigerator and appliances are bill, and refrigerators built prior to 1990 can use ENERGY STAR rated. two to three times more energy than new energy efficient models. By discontinuing the use of a second refrigerator, you can save about $150 a year on your electricity bill and prevent 4500 pounds of global warming pollution each year. Rocky I have recycled my extra refrigerator(s). Mountain Power offers a cash incentive to recycle old, inefficient refrigerators, and they will even pick it up from your home. Contact your local utility to see about similar programs. I have checked that the refrigerator door and You can check the tightness of the door by gasket have a tight fit and no leaks -- the placing a flashlight inside the refrigerator and door closes firmly against the gasket. closing the door. If you see any light, the gasket may be worn and should be replaced. The refrigerator temperature is set to 37° to Get an inexpensive appliance thermometer and 40°F for place it in a glass of water in the center of the the fresh food compartment and 5°F for the refrigerator. Check the temperature after 24 freezer section. If I have a separate freezer hours. To check the freezer temperature, place for long-term storage, I keep it at 0°F. a thermometer between frozen packages. Read it after 24 hours. Also, regularly defrost your freezer, as frost buildup decreases the efficiency.

I only leave the refrigerator door open as long as necessary and I let the food cool

1 of 8

Decide what you want to get out before you open it and remove several items at once, you’ll

extended version

Action before putting it in the refrigerator.

The coils on the back or underneath the refrigerator are cleaned at least once a year.

Appliances with adaptors, lights, clocks are unplugged or plugged into a power strip, which I switch off when not in use.

LAUNDRY & DISHES I have an ENERGY STAR rated dishwasher and/or clothes washer.

The dishwasher, washer and dryer are only run when they are fully loaded.

I use the energy-saving mode on the dishwasher, washer and dryer, if they have one. I wash my clothes in cold water.

I dry my clothes on a line or drying rack,orI use the “low heat” seating for drying.

COOKING I use pots and pans that fit the stovetop burners and use a lid to reduce cooking time and energy use. I don't preheat longer than necessary, and I bake as many dishes in the oven as I can at one time to make the most of the heat.

2 of 8

Done

Not Done

Date Comp.

www.utahcleanenergy.org

Fast Facts reduce loss of cold air.

The coils at the back of the refrigerator are heat exchange surfaces. Keep them clean and the unit will operate at peak efficiency. Remember to unplug the refrigerator before cleaning the coils. Use a vacuum cleaner or soft brush. Beware of phantom loads! Some appliances continue to use energy when they are not on but still plugged in. Buy ENERGY STAR products that save energy while in the off mode.In the average US home, 40% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Across the US, this equals the annual output of 17 power plants.Power strips can be used to shut off any power to the electronics, so no energy is wasted.

Compared to a model manufactured before 1994, an ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washer can save up to $110 per year on your utility bills and save more than 20 gallons of water per load. Run your dishwasher with a full load. Most of the energy used by a dishwasher goes to heat water. Since you can't decrease the amount of water used per cycle, fill your dishwasher to get the most from the energy used to run it. The “Energy-Saving” setting uses less water and less energy to wash and dry the dishes.

Using cold water for laundry can save you up to $63 a year. If you dry your clothes outside 6 months per year, you will prevent 1000 pounds of carbon dioxide annually. You'll save money and your clothes will smell summertime-fresh.

Pans that fit a burner absorb more energy, reducing the amount of wasted heat.

Ten minutes for preheating is sufficient, and it's not necessary to preheat if you're roasting, broiling or preparing foods with a cooking time of over an hour.

extended version

Action I keep the oven door closed and look through the window to check on my food.

WATER

I have aerator faucets and low-flow showerheads that save water while still providing adequate flow.

None of my faucets have leaks, especially my hot water faucets.

The hot water heater thermostat is set to 120qF.

The water heater is properly insulated with a water heater blanket, and my hot water pipes are covered with sleeve insulation. When I leave for a week or more, I turn my water heater down. I have an ENERGY STAR qualified hot water heater.

HEATING & COOLING

I have andusea programmable thermostat to automatically set back the temperature while I am away or sleeping.

During the heating season, I set the thermostat at 68qFahrenheit (F) or lower when I am home. When away for 4 hours or more, it is set at 55qalso set myF. I thermostat lower at night while I am asleep. I use solar passive heating during the winter by opening the drapes/blinds on south-facing windows to let the sun shine in to heat my home. At night, I close the drapes to retain indoor heat.

3 of 8

Done

Not Done

Date Comp.

www.utahcleanenergy.org

Fast Facts The oven temperature is lowered by 25qF to 75qF every time you open the door.

Inexpensive and simple to install, low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators can reduce your home water consumption as much as 50%, and reduce your energy cost of heating the water also by as much as 50%. A water leak is just money, water, and energy down the drain. Repair leaky faucets as quickly as possible; a slow drip could waste up to 48 gallons of water a week. For each 10ºF reduction in water temperature, you can save between 3%–5% in energy costs. Reducing your water temperature to 120ºF slows mineral buildup and corrosion in your water heater and pipes. Check your dishwasher’s manual for the appropriate water temperature. Hot water heater blankets cost only around $10. You can recoup the cost of the blanket in less than a year from energy savings. Remember to turn it back up when you return.

Water heating accounts for 13% of your utility bill. If your water heater is more than 7 years old, you should consider upgrading. For even greater savings choose a solar hot water system or on-demand hot water heater.

A programmable thermostat, when used properly, can save as much as 10% a year on your heating and cooling bills by automatically adjusting your thermostat while you are away or sleeping. They are easy to set according to your schedule.

For every degree you lower your heat, you save up to 5% on heating costs.

In the summer, do the opposite by closing your drapes during the day to keep out the sun’s warm rays.

extended version

Action The furnace is clean and the filter is replaced monthly during the heating and cooling season. If I have a fireplace, I close the damper when I am not using it.

Done

Not Done

Date Comp.

www.utahcleanenergy.org

Fast Facts Clean furnaces run more efficiently, thus saving energy and money.

Closing the damper prevents warm air from escaping out of the fireplace

Cooling accounts for 30% of home energy use. I have an evaporative or “swamp” cooler. Evaporative coolers use 1/5 the energy of a With Utah’s arid climate, evaporative coolers central air conditioner. If you have an air are the most efficient way to cool in the conditioner, make sure it has an ENERGY southwest. STAR label with a SEER rating of 13 or above. By combining proper equipment maintenance During the summer, the thermostat is set at and upgrades with appropriate insulation, air 78qWhen I’m sealing, and thermostat settings, you can cutF or higher when I am home. your energy use for heating and cooling, and away for 4 hours or more it is set at 85qF. reduce global warming pollution by 20% - 50%. I have installed an ENERGY STAR ceiling A ceiling fan will make a room feel 5qF cooler, fan. and ENERGY STAR rated ceiling fans are 50% more efficient than conventional fans. In the winter, you can set your fan to turn in the clockwise direction to help efficiently distribute warm air throughout your room. I keep my windows and doors shut while NOTE: If you have an evaporative cooling heating or cooling. system, a cracked window is necessary for air flow. When rooms in my home are not being used, If you heat your house with a heat pump, do I shut the door to the room and close off not close the vents – closing the vents could any vents, so as to not heat or cool the harm the heat pump. room. The vents, radiators and other heating and Adequate space around heating and cooling cooling equipment are not blocked by equipment allows it to operate efficiently. furniture, rugs, drapes, etc. The air ducts are sealed and insulated Leaking ducts can reduce the efficiency of the properly. system up to 30 %. Seal leaks with mastic or non-cloth backed tape labeled UL181 B-FX. This is especially important for ducts located in unconditioned space, such as your attic. HOME SEALING and INSULATION For more information on Home Sealing, download the free EPA ENERGY STAR “Do-It-Yourself Home Sealing Guide”. See the “More Resources” section at the end of this audit for a link. My walls, floors, basement and ceiling are Increased insulation could cut heating and properly insulated according to my climate cooling costs 20% - 30% and make your home zone. more comfortable. Visit http://www.ornl.gov/~roofs/Zip/ZipHome.h tmlto find out what is appropriate for my location.

4 of 8

extended version

Action Done I have checked my roof, walls, doors, ceilings and windows for leaks and sealed them appropriately. My doors and windows have weather-stripping between the door/window and frame. I have high-efficiency ENERGY STAR double-paned windows or storm windows. Alternatively, I put up plastic sheeting around my windows during the heating season. COMPUTERS and ELECTRONICS Home computers are powered down when not being used.

My computers are automatically set to go into standby mode or “sleep” after 20 minutes of inactivity. All other equipment (scanners, printers, copiers, etc.) are turned off when not needed for not more than 2 hours. Equipment, electronics and computers are ENERGY STAR rated.

I turn off, computers, printers, TV’s, DVD’s, speakers, and other electronics when not in use. I plug my electronics into a power strip and turn the power strip off when not in use.

OUTDOORS The outdoor lights are on a programmable timer or motion sensor, and they have been upgraded to energy efficient light fixtures.

The trees and shrubs are planted around my house in such a way as to help shade in the summer and provide shelter from the wind.

POOL (IF APPLICABLE) 5 of 8

Not Done

Date Comp.

www.utahcleanenergy.org

Fast Facts Hire a contractor or see the “Do-It-Yourself Home Sealing Guide” for proper sealing methods. Weather stripping ensures a tight fit for doors and windows, which helps avoid drafts and air leaks. Energy-efficient windows can save up to 30% on your heating and cooling costs.

If you can’t turn your computer off, be sure to use the “Energy-Saving” mode and turn off your monitor. When you know you will be gone for a few hours, put your computer in standby mode to save energy. Buy ENERGY STAR qualified equipment to reduce energy use while in standby mode.

Over its lifetime, ENERGY STAR qualified equipment in a single home office (e.g., computer, monitor, printer, and fax) can save enough electricity to light an entire home for more than 4 years. Beware of phantom loads! Some appliances continue to use energy when they are not on but still plugged in. Buy ENERGY STAR products that save energy while in the off mode.In the average US home, 40% of all electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off. Across the US, this equals the annual output of 17 power plants.Power strips cut off any power to the electronics, so no energy is wasted.

Better yet, upgrade to solar powered lights which charge their batteries during the day, come on at night, and don’t require any electricity from the grid. Deciduous (leaf-shedding) trees and shrubs on the south side, shade during the summer, but allow the sun through in the winter. Trees and shrubs can provide shelter from cold winds when strategically planted.

extended version

Action I run my pool filter and sweeper operations at “off-peak” hours, between 8 pm and 6 am.

The pool cover is on as much as possible when the pool is not in use. I have a Solar Hot Water Heating System for my pool heating needs. If not, I control the pool temperature and only heat the pool when necessary.

The pool cleaning & heating equipment is clean & well lubricated.

Done

Not Done

Date Comp.

www.utahcleanenergy.org

Fast Facts By running this equipment during “off-peak” hours, you are helping to lower peak power demand. 70% of pool heat loss occurs from evaporation.

Save money by reducing your pool water temperature and the number of months you heat your pool. A Solar Hot Water heating system is an efficient and cost-effective way to heat your pool. Efficient & clean equipment saves energy. For more energy savings, consider upgrading the pumps & motors with more energy efficient equipment. Look for the ENERGY STAR label.

This Energy Efficiency Audit was adapted by Utah Clean Energy fromAlliance to Save Energy’s Home Energy Audit and Power$mart Brochure,www.ase.org;American Council for an Energy –Efficient Economy’s Home Energy Checklist for Action,www.aceee.org; andEnergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network’s Energy Savers Brochure,www.eren.doe.gov.

6 of 8

extended version

MORE ENERGY EFFICIENCY RESOURCES

www.utahcleanenergy.org

aUtah Clean Energy:www.utahcleanenergy.org Utah Clean Energy is a non-profit working to speed the transition to a cleaner, safer, more sustainable energy future.Visit us on-line for more information on energy efficiency and to download this home energy audit to share with friends and family.

aUtah Energy Conservation Coalition:www.utahenergy.org The Utah Energy Conservation Coalition (d.b.a. Energy Rated Homes of Utah) is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide opportunities for the citizens of Utah to receive energy education, take advantage of special mortgage programs, and to encourage energy conservation in all areas of the housing industry.

aUS Environmental Protection Agency ENERGY STAR Program:www.energystar.gov ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Energy helping us all save money and protect the environment through energy efficient products and practices. Learn about energy efficient choices for your home or business to reduce energy costs.

aA Do-It-Yourself Guide to ENERGY STAR Home Sealing: www.energystar.gov/ia/home_improvement/home_sealing/DIY_COLOR_100_dpi.pdf Download this do it yourself guide to help seal the envelope of your home or building. This easy step by step guide gives great instructions and explanations to find and fix air leaks in your basement or attic, and how to add more insulation.

aDepartment of Energy’s Consumer’s Guide to Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy http://www.eere.energy.gov/consumer/ The Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Program provides quick links to home, automobile, and workplace energy efficiency tips.

aEnergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Network (EREN):www.eren.doe.gov Learn about energy efficient buildings, transportation and power, and learn the basics of all the different kinds of renewable energy.

aAlliance to Save Energy:www.ase.orgA non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the efficient use of energy to strengthen America’s economy, improve the environment, make housing more affordable and move the country toward energy independence.

aAmerican Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy:www.aceee.org ACEEE is a non-profit organization dedicated to advancing energy efficiency, economic prosperity and environmental protection. To learn more about ways to save energy and available incentives for energy efficiency upgrades, download the Consumer Guide to Home Energy Savings.

aRocky Mountain Power:www.rockymountainpower.net Learn how to reduce energy use in your home or your business and Rocky Mountain Power’s incentives for efficiency upgrades.

aConsumer Federation of Americawww.buyenergyefficient.org Consumer Federation of America is an advocacy, research, education, and service organization offering a consumer guide to buying energy efficiency products for the home.

aConsumer Reportswww.greenerchoices.org Find tools such as energy calculators, rebate information, links to information about local energy, and energy-efficient products.

aSouthwest Energy Efficiency Projecthttp://www.swenergy.org/ The Southwest Energy Efficiency Project (SWEEP) is promoting greater energy efficiency in a six-state region that includes: Arizona, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, & Wyoming. Visit their website for consumer and business energy efficiency tips.

7 of 8

extended version

 MORE CLEAN ENERGY TIPS 

www.utahcleanenergy.org

Choose Clean Energy.Contact your power provider to find out about green power purchase options, such as wind and solar programs.

If you decide toinstall a solar or wind systemon your home or business, you may be eligible to receive federal and state tax incentives. For more information, visit http://www.energy.utah.gov/rincentives.htm#dsireandwww.utahcleanenergy.org.

Make your dollars count.Supporting local businesses that invest in clean energy and efficiency is an easy way to encourage more sustainable business practices everywhere.

If you are a business owner,you can purchase clean power and improve your energy efficiency today. Visit:www.utahcleanenergy.orgor call (801) 3634046 to find out more.

Use alternative transportationto travel around town. Walk, bike, scooter, carpool, take the bus, or light rail – it’s a healthier choice for you and the environment.

Drive a hybrid or fuel efficient car.A car that gets at least 32 MPG is great way to save energy, money, and the environment.

Avoid idling. Turn off your engine when you aren’t moving to prevent harmful emissions and save on fuel expenses.

Keep your tires filledand save up to 5% on your fuel tab.

Reduce, reuse, and recycleto save the energy needed to make new products.

Contact your local, state and federal representativesto voice your support of clean, efficient, and sustainable energy solutions! Visit utahcleanenergy.org to find out how to TAKE ACTION.

Visitwww.energystar.govor call 1888STARYES (7827937) to find out more about ENERGY STAR products and tips for energy efficiency.

Utah Clean Energy would like to thank the Utah Geological Survey – State Energy Program and the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation for their contributions to our Clean Energy Campaign. 8 of 8 extended version