Home Energy
Cost-saving tips for reducing your home energy footprint
Climate Master Program
Source: www.ecologygreenworld.com
Last updated 1/10
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
1 kilowatt = 1000 watts in an hour
Power (kW)
X
Time (hrs)
=
Kilowatt
Hours (kWh)
Dan Moorehouse, EWEB
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
Wind
1%
Natural Gas
10%
Coal
20%
Hydro
64%
Biomass
1%
Nuclear
4%
Source: EWEB
Hydro = 72% of EWEB Energy
Nuclear
7%
Biomass
4%
Wind
Coal Natural Gas
2%
2%
3%
Conservation
10%
Hydro
72%
The US Energy Grid: Power doesn’t stay put
Home Energy: temperature control and appliances

A typical Eugene resident’s home energy use:
Refrigerator
11%
Water Heating
12%
Appliances and
Lighting
33%
Electric A/C
11%
Space Heating
33%
Source: Information, Climate Leadership Initiative; Graphic, Funk Levis & Associates
Heating and Cooling almost half of energy use
Refrigerator
11%
Water Heating
12%
Electric
A/C
11%
Appliances and
Lighting
33%
Space
Heating
33%
Source: US Department of Energy,
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_energy.html
Prevent heat or cool from escaping


What is the heat source?
Where is heat escaping?






Thin insulation
Drafts
Window seals
Door seals
Single pane glass
Chimneys
Source: Our Organic Northwest
Source: Sierra Pacific
Heating/Cooling energy use – four factors
1.
2.
3.
4.
Desired Temperature
Length of time at that temperature
Size of space
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
Electric A/C
11%
Water Heating
12%
Space Heating
33%
Refrigerator
11%
Appliances
and Lighting
33%
Source: US Department of Energy,
http://www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/home_energy.html
Use efficient appliances
Research 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 CFLs
Source: thefuntimesguide.com
Source: diytrade.com
Refrigerator and Freezer: 11%
Space Heating
33%
Electric A/C
11%
Appliances and
Lighting
33%
Refrigerator
11%
Water Heating
12%
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
Space Heating
33%
Appliances and
Lighting
33%
Refrigerator
11%
Water Heating
12%
Electric A/C
11%
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




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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