8.03
Conservation Techniques for the Home
Energy
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Lower thermometer to 68 in winter and raise
to 78 in summer
Energy Star: homes that have been
identified as energy-efficient due to
improved insulation and windows,
heating/cooling systems designed to work
with minimal waste. These homes will use
up to 30% less energy than other homes,
have a higher resale value. Energy Star
appliances, TVs, computers, light bulbs use
less energy, last longer, need fewer repairs
Traditional Energy Sources
1.
Traditional is coal, oil, natural gas or Fossil
fuels. Formed in the earth from remains of
prehistoric animals or plants. These are
NOT renewable (once used cannot be
replaced), are more expensive, adds
pollution to environment (increases health
hazards and contributing to climate
changes)
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Natural gas is clean burning. Must be
brought to home/building by pipe lines
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Oil is stored in tanks in or near the house.
Does not burn cleanly and adds to pollution
Coal is mostly used by large utility companies to
generate electricity.
 Pollutes the air,
 Contributes to illness such as asthma, lung
diseases,
 Major cause of acid rain and smog,
 Releases carbon dioxide into air therefore
contributing to global climate changes
Alternate Energy Sources
Energy that is renewable and does not pollute
also known as green energy
 Hydroelectric power: use moving water of
rivers to drive electrical generators, supplies
@ 10% of power generated in USA today,
clean and renewable, not likely to increase
much in the future due to few sites remaining
that are appropriate for dams and reservoirs
Three Gorges Dam….China
Hydroelectric
Nuclear power: reactors fueled by uranium
produce heat, which is used to make steam
that drives the turbines which powers the
generators to make electricity (McGuire
Nuclear Plant in Charlotte). Very expensive
to build, radioactive materials can leak and
pollute surrounding land; contaminated
materials can be vented to the air and can
spread throughout the atmosphere. Nuclear
waste is hard to dispose of because it
remains hazardous for centuries
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Solar power: sun is most powerful energy
source available, clean, and plentiful
Geothermal energy: heat from the earth’s
interior
Wind power: clean and renewable, utility
companies are creating power by using
wind “farms”
WATER Conservation
Less than 1% of world’s water is
suitable for people to drink. 97% is salt
water and 2% is in form of glaciers/polar
ice
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Conserving Water Daily
 Run washing machine with FULL loads only.
Use correct amount of detergent
 Wash full load of dishes in dishwasher
 Take short showers
 Fix leaky faucets and toilets
 Use ultra-low flush toilets (building code may
require these in new homes)
 Use sprinklers in early morning or late at
night. Most of water is evaporated in warmer
air
House design and landscaping
1.
Orientation: how a house is positioned on
the lot considering the location of sun,
prevailing winds, water sources, and scenic
views
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Homes should have windows facing south and west
as much as possible in order to allow for sun
absorption
Use trees and shrubs as natural windbreak around
the house. These also help to cool in summer and
warm in winter, can lower utility bills by 10-15%
Coniferous trees/shrubs: do not lose leaves, usually
have needles and remain green all year
Deciduous trees/shrubs: lose their leaves in fall and
have new growth in spring
Topography: contour or lay of the
land.
1.
2.
3.
4.
Level land is easiest to build on and least
expensive to landscape
Gentle, rolling terrain is ideal with natural drainage,
contemporary homes would be best suited for this
type of land
Place homes at bottom of hill to avoid winds
Improper grading and leveling of land can cause
improper drainage and can cause water to form
gullies, holes, take away good soil
Rolling Landscape
Flat Landscapes
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Xericaping: landscaping with plants in
order to conserve water
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Use native plants as much as possible for
the area
Less water will help plants to develop deep
roots and make the plants more drought
resistant ….over watering will make roots
rot & die
 Carol house.bmp