GO GREEN! CONSERVE & PROTECT OUR NATURAL RESOURCES ANDREA WILLIAMS EXTENSION EDUCATOR FAMILY & CONSUMER SCIENCES/4-H-YD GO GREEN! Little steps = big energy and money savings What is energy, anyway? E= 2 mc Why do we care about energy? Photo: Microsoft clipart Why do we care about energy? Photo: Microsoft clipart Take a whole house approach… S A V E M O N EY A N D EN ER G Y WI THO UT SA C R I F I C I N G C O MF O RT! Photo: U.S. Department of Energy home energy use Prioritizing COMMON DENOMINATORS UNIQUE NEEDS 1 biggest part of utility bill? Space Heating Photo: Microsoft clipart Reduce space heating costs … adjust the thermostat Setting Time Setpoint Temperature wake 6 ≤ 70° F day 8 Setback at least 8° F evening 6 ≤ 70° F sleep 10 Setback at least 8° F More Ways to Reduce Space Heating Costs ONE Change filters TWO Close damper THREE Schedule tune-ups Even More Ways to Reduce Space Heating Costs! Add insulation Check ductwork Photo: U.S. Department of Energy Last bit about space heating … Building Envelope nd 2 2 space cooling Photo: ENERGY STAR What to do about space cooling… Setting Time Setpoint Temperature wake 6 ≥ 78° F day 8 Setup at least 7° F evening 6 ≥ 78° F sleep 10 Setup at least 4° F rd 3 3 water heating Diagram: U.S. Department of Energy 4 Ways to Reduce Water Heating Costs STEP ACTION ONE Use less hot water TWO Turn down thermostat THREE Insulate water heater FOUR Upgrade efficiency th 4 4 Lighting Photos: ENERGY STAR 2 Ways to Reduce Lighting Costs Photo: National Archives ACTION 2 more ways to reduce lighting costs th 5 5 Computers & Electronics Photo: Microsoft clipart 4 Ways to Reduce Computers & Electronics Costs STEP ACTION ONE Manage power TWO Turn machines off THREE Use power strips FOUR Unplug chargers 6 th 6 Large appliances *NOT INCLUDING REFRIGERATORS Photo: Microsoft clipart Clothes Washers and Dryers Photo: Microsoft clipart Dishwasher & Stove Photo: Microsoft clipart 7 th 7 Refrigeration Photo: Microsoft clipart 4 Ways to Reduce Refrigeration Costs STEP ACTION ONE Cover and wrap food TWO Close door THREE Test door seal FOUR Check temperature Refrigerator Retirement Savings Calculator http://www.energystar.gov/index.cf m?fuseaction=refrig.calculator 8 th 8 Other WHAT IS OTHER, EXACTLY? 4 Ways to Reduce “Other” Costs STEP ACTION ONE Small electric devices TWO Heating elements THREE Motors FOUR Outdoor grills Annual Appliance Cost Cost/Year $0 $42 $83 $125 500 1000 1500 $166 $208 Electric blanket Microwave oven Television Dehumidifier Well pump Home computer Aquarium/ terr. Dishwasher Electric cooking Freezer Water bed heater Clothes dryer Washing machine Refrigerator Pool pump Spa (pump & heater) $0 2000 2500 Don’t be overwhelmed… Federal Level Tax Credits & Rebates HOME ENERGY EFFICIENCY IMPROVEMENT TAX CREDITS RESIDENTIAL RENEWABLE ENERGY TAX CREDITS Last message… Photo: Oklahoma State University Thank you! Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service