How can I save energy in my rental/apartment?
Even if you don't own the property where you live, it is very likely that you pay for the energy used there. While major changes and modifications to the structure are the responsibility of the landlord, there are simple ways to conserve energy in your rental. Compact fluorescent lamps (squiggl ...
- Should I frequently ventilate the inside of my home to improve indoor air quality?
No, not frequently. Except for a few weeks of winter, outdoor weather is hot and humid almost year long in most areas of Florida. If you bring in the hot and humid outdoor air through frequent ventilation, it will raise your conditioned interior temperature and also increase indoor humidity. Th ...
- Isn't indoor air healthier than outdoor
Many believe that the indoor air of typical homes is cleaner and healthier than outdoor air. And, many of us may presume that if we keep polluted outdoor air from coming into our homes we'll be able to maintain clean indoor air. Unfortunately, this is not necessarily true. The U.S. Environmenta ...
- How does my clothes dryer affect my energy bill?
The Consumer Energy Center at the California Energy Commission indicates that a clothes dryer costs about $85 a year to operate and typically uses more energy than any other home appliance except the refrigerator. (CEC 2008) There are electric dryers and gas-fired dryers. New gas-fired models a ...
- How can I tell how much energy a clothes washer uses?
The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy requires the industry to thoroughly test and report the energy usage of all appliances. Clothes washer energy consumption is measured in two ways. • MEF (Modified Energy Factor) measures the energy used during ...
- How can I be more energy efficient with my current washing machine?
If possible, try to avoid putting the washer and dryer in spaces that are heated or air-conditioned. There are a couple of reasons: 1) both the dryer and washer would make your air conditioner work harder because of the heat and moisture produced during use, and 2) dryer vents lacking dampers a ...
- What is the University of Florida doing to encourage energy conservation?
As more consumers struggle with record-breaking energy costs and rapid urban growth puts a strain on Florida’s natural resources, the University of Florida’s Extension service's new public awareness campaign promotes the effective use of energy and discourages all forms of energy wa ...
- My family, friends, and I have taken steps to reduce our energy use. Is it making a difference?
New information has been released from the US Department of Energy on the consumption of energy in the United States over the past year. The results are certainly worth pondering and are certainly due to a combination of a variety of factors, but the net results show a DECREASE in energy usage ...
- Where should the laundry area be located for best energy efficiency?
If possible, try to avoid putting the washer and dryer in spaces that are heated or air-conditioned. There are a couple of reasons: 1) both the dryer and washer would make your air conditioner work harder because of the heat and moisture produced during use, and 2) dryer vents lacking dampers a ...
- When is the right time for natural ventilation?
To discourage mold growth while promoting energy efficiency, it is recommended to keep indoor relative humidity below 70% (ideally between 45% and 60%), and indoor temperature no higher than 68°F in the winter and no lower than 78°F in the summer. When natural ventilation is needed, you ...
- What should I look for in a new washing machine when it comes to energy efficiency?
Before you start shopping, decide how big a washing machine you need to meet your household's needs. Don't forget to consider the amount of physical space you have available for the machine. "ENERGY STAR® qualified clothes washers cut energy and water consumption by over 40% compared to con ...
- Are there any rebates, refunds, or tax credits available for making energy saving choices?
Our local energy provider, Progress Energy, offers many and varied incentives. The key to unlocking them all is the Home Energy Check. This is an audit of your home’s bit and pieces that contribute to energy demands. The resulting report is the baseline for efficiency improvements. The Ho ...
- What kinds of energy efficient clothes washers are available?
Washers come in two basic designs: front-loading or re-designed top-loading designs. Models that have earned ENERGY STAR® are available in both designs. In addition to size, design, and certification, you still need to know just how much energy a clothes washer uses per cycle in order to ma ...
- What are the best improvements I can make to increse the energy efficiency of my home?
When it comes to big energy savings, sometimes it takes a bit of investment. Although some of these suggestions require an up-front layout of cash, the return on investment comes much quicker than continually leaking money from your home in the form of wasted energy. Attic Insulation: Upgrade ...
- What are some low-cost changes I can make to increse the energy efficiency of my home?
A small investment can show a quick return when you make a few changes to improve you home’s energy efficiency. Lighting: Replace as many of your frequently-used light bulbs with compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs). CFLs are 75% more efficient than traditional incandescent bulbs, and each bu ...
- How can I save money on electricity at home?
Air-dry dishes instead of using the dishwasher's drying cycle Turn off computer and monitor when they are not in use for extended periods of time Plug home electronics into power strips and turn power strips off when not in use Lower thermostat on hot water heater to 120°F Wash only ful ...
- What is off the grid?
The term off the grid refers to living without connecting to one or more public utilities. An off the grid home may use renewable energy and not power from the local utility company or be connected to water or sewer systems. Living off grid may be to save money or to reduce environmental impacts ...
- Why should I worry about energy use in the laundry room?
The laundry room can be a big consumer of energy. ENERGY STAR® states that the typical U.S. household does about 400 loads of laundry every year, using about 13,500 gallons of water (ENERGY STAR®). The laundry room also generates a large amount of unwanted heat and humidity in summer, s ...
- What is drain-water heat recovery?
Drain-Water Heat Recovery—sometimes referred to as heat recovery units (HRU) or grey water recovery units—systems operate with all types of water heaters, especially demand and solar types. In essence, the system “captures” some of the heat from hot water traveling throu ...
- Can ceiling fans lower my utility bill?
“One of the myths about ceiling fans is that they lower the temperature in a room. Actually, ceiling fans do not lower actual room temperature. However, they do create a breeze, making room occupants feel cooler and more comfortable. With a ceiling fan running, you can raise your thermosta ...
Air Conditioning (11)
