2 March 2005OrangeBulletin.com
Making your home more energy efficient will expend less of the earth's fossil fuel whether you use oil, gas or electricity. Our planet is covered by a blanket of gases that behave as a giant greenhouse to keep us warm. Our continuous use of fossil fuels, such as coal, oil, and natural gas, increases the carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases in our atmosphere causing further warming and alters world weather patterns. Conserving energy in our homes, cars and businesses is the most important action we can take to stop climate change.
Here are ways to save energy and reduce pollution:1. Stop Air Leaks. About 44 percent of the energy used in our homes is for heating and cooling. Most of the heat and cooling lost is from air leaks. Make sure you seal the biggest causes of air leaks which are from attic doors, whole house fans, holes in the floor and ceiling for plumbing and wiring, electrical coverplates and gaps in the wall. Check for duct leaks by using a smoke pencil or incense. Seal leaks with approved duct tape. Caulk or expanding foam should be used to stop air leaks between the house and attic. 2. Insulate Your Home. You can decrease energy waste and lower your utility bill by insulating the ceilings, walls, attic and floors of your home. Insulation is discussed in terms of R-values. High R-values provide better insulation. The Department of Energy recommends the following optimal R-values for Connecticut: Attic -R49, Walls - R18, Floors- R25. Also, blow insulation into outside wall cavities and insulate hot and cold water pipes in the crawl space and all ducts in unheated areas. Place a plastic cover over bare earth underneath your home to decrease moisture in the crawl space. Go to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website, www. eere.energy.gov, to learn more about insulation. 3. Cut Hot Water Bills. Wrap insulation around the water heater and insulate all hot water pipes and cold water pipes near the tank. For safety, only use insulation designed for wrapping around hot items. Use low-flow showerheads and faucet aerators which provide a forceful spray at the same time wasting less water. Set the water heater at no more than 120 to 140 degrees. 4. Improve Window and Door Efficiency. Stop air leaks around windows and doors by caulking the trim to the wall. Put weather stripping on edges of windows and doors. Storm windows can be used to decrease heat loss but they are not recommended for doors.5. Saving Air Condition Costs. Trees, especially deciduous trees, can keep your home and air condition unit in the shade and save on air condition costs. A trellis, awning or sunscreens can also keep the house cooler. Closing curtains and shades in the summer will also keep the house cooler. Trees keep their surrounding atmosphere cooler by absorbing carbon dioxide and through moisture evaporation. In the winter their leaves fall and let in the sun to better heat your home. So consider planting more trees.6. Use ENERGY STAR Appliances. The ENERGY STAR label is the government's seal of approval. It was created by the U.S. Department of Energy and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. Go to the Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy website, www. eere.energy.gov, and click on information for Consumers to learn how to read the labels and what to look for when looking for an energy efficient refrigerator, dishwasher, clothes washer, thermostat, air conditioner, windows, heat pumps or gas and oil systems. For example, consider using a programmable thermostat which can automatically change the temperature and save energy and money.7. Cut Lighting Costs. Use compact fluorescent light bulbs instead of standard incandescent bulbs. Each bulb last 10 times longer, saves electricity costs, and eliminates 500 pounds of atmospheric pollutants. For your outside lights, avoid all night lighting and consider motion activated lights instead. 8. Decrease Auto Emissions. Auto emissions account for 60% of ozone pollution in cities. Keep your car tuned and its tires inflated to reduce pollution. When your air conditioner is serviced insist that the mechanic recycles the chlorofluorocarbons (CFCS) used for the refrigerant. CFCS causes the thinning of our ozone layer. And please consider buying a fuel efficient car. Every gallon of gas you save prevents 20 pounds of CO2 from polluting our planet.Remember, saving the environment is OUR responsibility!Melanie Kier is president and founder of the BOW Environmental Action Club.
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