...USING ELECTRICITY AT HOME Energy-Saving Tips and Safety Information Using Electricity at Home Introduction..................................................................................................................... 3 How to Save Energy and Money . ............................................................................... 4 Cooling........................................................................................................................ 4 Lighting......................................................................................................................... 5 Weatherizing................................................................................................................ 6 Electrical Appliances.................................................................................................... 8 Refrigerator/Freezer..................................................................................................... 8 Oven/Microwave.......................................................................................................... 9 Dishwasher.................................................................................................................. 9 Clothes Washer/Dryer............................................................................................... 10 A Quick Start to Online Resources........................................................................... 14 2 Introduction ...
Words: 2939 - Pages: 12
...years. Something needs to be done to change this trend. This is where each and every one of us comes in. You might not think things in your everyday life have an effect on global warming but you are wrong. Here in the Midwest, we are at the center of our global warming problems and can be at the center of our solutions (“Global Warming Solutions A Basics.”, n.d.). Just making relatively small changes in your homes can make a huge impact on global warming if everyone makes similar changes. A new heating and cooling system is one of the biggest upfront costs for a green change, but it has the biggest return as well; in the form of money saved and lessening pollution. “As much as half of the energy used in your home goes to heating and cooling. So making smart decisions about your home's heating, ventilating, and air conditioning (HVAC) system can have a big effect on your utility bills” (“Heat & Cool Efficiently,” n.d.). Which is why you should start with this change. Although simply replacing your system all together could be the most cost effective and energy efficient choice. An alternative choice is using a programmable thermostat. Using a programmable thermostat can improve efficiency of an older system and save you money on utility bills and cut down of the amount of energy used to power your home. This type of thermostat works with your existing heating and cooling system. It uses pre-programmed setting to know when to run or...
Words: 967 - Pages: 4
...Energy Efficient Buildings and Automobiles Lisa Stark February 19, 2012 Environment Science In today’s day an age researchers and scientists are trying to use what we known to help save energy in buildings and transportation. If you think about things builders need energy to build houses that we live in to keep a roof over our heads. People do not realize that we use energy to build houses oil is needed for the machines to run to help move the materials to help build houses. Coal is used in homes as well to help heat our homes in keeping us warm during the cold winters. We use petroleum to extract crude oil that we refine a mixture of a hundred different types if hydrocarbon molecules characterized by carbon chains of different lengths (Withgott and Brennan, 2009). Petroleum is used in everyday life because no matter what you look at in your home it’s made from petroleum. Also petroleum is also used in our automobiles this is how we get around from place to place. At the same time that we use these coal, oil, and petroleum products we are going to run out because they are non-renewable resources. Researchers and scientists are trying alternative ways to use less of these resources but at the same time still have the buildings and automobiles. The United States government implanted a plan to us conserve energy the best we can. One way was through automobiles by making the increase in the miles per gallon (Withgott and Brennan, 2009)...
Words: 565 - Pages: 3
...science students D. Timeframe for entire lesson: 3 classroom sessions of 55 minutes E. Abstract This lesson will provide students with an opportunity to understand energy and electricity basics such as energy conservation, energy metrics and ways of minimizing electricity waste around the house. On the first day students will learn about various electrical appliances and their associated electricity consumption. Students will learn how to read and interpret appliance energy labels to extract information such as appliance wattage. Students will have access to a variety of electrical appliances such as laptop, toaster, microwave, fridge, desktop computer, coffee maker, paper punch, kettle, projector, desk lamp and variety of bulbs. On the second day students will learn the differences between plug loads and phantom (vampire) loads. These differences are necessary to understand the level of electricity waste associated with human activities such not unplugging appliances when not in use. Moreover, students will brainstorm on ways to save electricity around the house or in school. Students will also carry out a survey of electrical appliances found around the house and in the classroom. On the third day students, will learn how to carry out energy audit surveys. Energy audit will include measuring electricity using energy meters such as commercially available Kill-a-Watt meters. After collecting electricity data from actual appliances, student will engage in data analysis activities...
Words: 1706 - Pages: 7
...SUMMARY: The United States is outdated and inefficient in terms of their electricity infrastructure. The grid provides no information about how the customers are using that energy, making it difficult to develop more efficient approaches to distribution. Smart grid enables information to flow back and forth between electric power providers and individual households to allow both consumers and energy companies to make more intelligent decisions regarding energy consumptions, and that’s why smart grid reduce costs, save energy and increase reliability. Information from smart grids would show utilities when to raise prices when demand is high or lower when demand lessens. If the Smart grid is implemented nationwide 5 to 15 percent in energy consumption will decrease. Smart grids is their ability to detect sources of power outages more quickly and precisely at the individual household level. In order to manage the smart grid it requires technology like network and switches for power management, sensors and monitoring devices to track the usage of energy and their distribution trends also systems linked to programmable appliances to run them when energy is least costly.SmartGridCity in Boulder, Colorado are attracting attention because of power flowing from a small number of power plants, the smart grid will make it possible to have a distributed energy system and it will create up to 370,000 jobs. SmartGridCity is also attempting to turn homes into “miniature power plants” using solar-powered...
Words: 1586 - Pages: 7
...The Benefits of Wi-Fi Thermostats for your home or business Carlos Serrano May 3, 2012 COC 100 Computer Concepts April 2012 Dirusso This paper is submitted in partial fulfillment of the Associates of Science Degree at Southern Technical College. Thesis Statement: How technology is used in the field of HVAC. The primary focus shall be placed on thermostats with Wi-Fi. Wi-Fi Capability has endless possibilities. Now you can buy a Wi-Fi thermostat, which will allow you to control your thermostat settings remotely, from a computer or even your iPhone. Your Wi-Fi Thermostat can be controlled from our iPhone app from anywhere in the world. For remote access, as with browser access, you will need a router that offers port forwarding facility. A fixed IP address from your ISP is required. I imagine some people would utilize this technology to hang out in bed in the morning before turning up the heat with their phone, but these devices are really handy for the frequent traveler, landlord, or anyone who owns a vacation home. While a programmable thermostat has already made many people's lives easier and cheaper, a thermostat with wireless capabilities takes things to a whole new level. Now, while a Wi-Fi thermostat is cool and affordable for many, it is still a relatively new technology. Heating and cooling your house is expensive. But you can usually reduce your bills by installing a programmable thermostat. This allows you to reduce...
Words: 769 - Pages: 4
...Energy is used in every aspect of our everyday life. Awareness is the only way we can have an impact on saving our environment, resources and climate. Understanding where our energy comes from and how we can cut back on some of the energy we use is illustrated in my research below. Energy Use Assessment The three energy resources currently used in my household come from different origins. My electricity comes from Pedernales Electric Cooperative. PEC provides my household energy from the Lower Colorado River Authority dams in the area, the closest one that provides (renewable hydropower) is Buchanan Dam (LCRA, 2013). I use solar energy a renewable energy to use my calculator along with charging my weather radio this energy comes from the light of the sun . Another form of energy used in my house is mechanical energy. Impacts of Energy Usage Short term damage due to increasing energy usage to both humans and the environment could be as our society has grown we package our foods in plastic wrap, use shopping bags for produce at the grocery store, ship produce all across the country etc. If our society conformed to a more organic “grow your own” mentality less plastic, gas, pesticides, and toxins would be produced that are required to furnish our communities with food that we could all grow in our backyard. We as a society have been very well educated over the damage to the ozone layer and our environment of the burning of fossil fuels that are needed to produce...
Words: 769 - Pages: 4
...Introduction The world is a place for everyone and everything to live comfortably. In order to fulfill this comfort that we are supposed to have, we have to keep a healthy environment. Everything that everyone does affects the environment, in good and bad ways. There are things that go unnoticed in everyday life that needs to be looked at more seriously in order to improve the environment. Recognizing and correcting the problem and promoting the positive aspects will ultimately improve the environment. In order to maintain a healthy environment, society must become aware of how day-to-day activities impact the environment and they also need to be ready to approach and change such lifestyles. So how can we, as individuals, improve the environment? Why When talking about environment related issues, most people just don’t care; they are only doing enough to get by for themselves. The only concerns they have are paying their bills on time, taking care of their family, keeping their job, and being happy. People are contemplating the fact that they are just one person, and the changes they make won’t make a difference so why should it matter. (Savage) If this mind set of people changes then that one person will turn it to hundreds and thousands of people and differences in the environment will start to be seen. There are multiple different reasons on why you should care about the environment and what impacts it. Approximately 40% of deaths globally are cause by pollution, and...
Words: 5914 - Pages: 24
...websites and make sure you deal with reputable dealers. Transportation Airline Fares 1. Compare low-cost carriers with major carriers that fly to your destination. Remember, the best fares may not be out of the airport closest to you. 2. You may save by including a Saturday evening stay-over or by purchasing the ticket at least 14 days in advance. Ask which days of the week and times of the day have the lowest fare. 3. Even if you are using a travel agent, check airline and Internet travel sites, and look for special deals. If you call, always ask for the lowest fare to your destination. Car Rental 4. Since car rental rates can vary greatly, compare total price (including taxes and surcharge) and take advantage of any special offers and membership discounts. 5. Rental car companies offer various insurance and waiver options. Check with your automobile insurance agent and credit card company in advance to avoid duplicating any coverage you may already have. New Cars 6. You can save thousands of dollars over the lifetime of a car by selecting a model that combines a low purchase price with low depreciation, financing, insurance, gasoline, maintenance, and repair costs. Ask your local librarian for new car guides that contain this information. 7. Having selected a model and options you are interested in, you can save hundreds of dollars by comparison shopping. Get price quotes from several dealers (over the phone or Internet) and let each know you are...
Words: 3104 - Pages: 13
...‘‘PERSUASIVE SPEECH OUTLINE’’ Solar power is a viable source of energy. ‘INTRODUCTION’ ATTENTION GETTER: It’s the human condition to underappreciate what we are given when we become accustomed to its presence .The everyday convenience of electricity isn’t fully appreciated until a power line goes down and you’re thrust back into the colonial times with candles and fire stoves. Unfortunately as Pakistani’s we visit the dark ages several times a day. So now I ask you to imagine a Pakistan where unlike the false promises of politicians there is actually electricity in every house, where you don’t have to hear the gyrating noise of a generator everywhere you go. A Pakistan which isn’t plunged back into the dark ages every 3 hours. BACK GROUND: With the depletion of the energy resources in the world, governments, industries and scientists are in search of cost effective and readily available energy resources that can be exploited to satisfy the increasing energy demands in the world. Solar energy has been regarded as one of the most paramount and cardinal sources of renewable energy. As per scientists, the energy received from the sun in one hour is more than the whole world’s total produced energy in a year. It would take only around 0.3% of the world's land area to supply all of our electricity needs via solar power. Pakistan is going through a very severe energy crisis right now. Though Pakistan has got a lot on its plate right now, solving this issue would eradicate dozens...
Words: 1603 - Pages: 7
...help business and the public sector cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. By stimulating low carbon action we contribute to key UK goals of lower carbon emissions, the development of low carbon businesses, increased energy security and associated jobs. What we do We provide specialist support to business and the public sector to help cut carbon emissions, save energy and commercialise low carbon technologies. We take a practical approach – always looking for where we can make the maximum impact and deliver the most value to our customers. Our work focuses on two main areas: We cut carbon emissions now * By providing specialist advice and finance to help organisations cut carbon * By setting standards for carbon reduction Online training: Cut Carbon, Cut Costs tool- Specialist Advice The Cut Carbon, Cut Costs training tool will give you an introduction to energy saving and help you create a personalised action plan for your site. This energy management training tool will help you create a personalised action plan, estimating the cost and carbon savings you could make in your workplace. There are 6 modules which address low and no-cost energy management measures in key areas. Each training module takes about 5 minutes to complete. Modules have a video element to describe the topic and a calculator element in which you can choose which measures you will add to your action plan. You do not need to...
Words: 753 - Pages: 4
...The Energy Saving House (Solar Thermal Energy) Introduction The use of Solar Thermal Energy to heat a house and maintain the hear within. The current situation South Africa is facing is Load shedding and the threat of possible rolling black-outs. With winter looming ahead in a couple of months time and no end in sight from the load shedding schedules, people will be facing freezing temperatures and no way to keep what little heat we get during the day inside their homes during their scheduled load shedding. Since 2003 the price of electricity has doubled and people with a low income can’t afford to buy all these new, fancy appliances so they are left using firewood or paraffin to cook with or to keep their shacks warm. There are a number a health and safety problems such...
Words: 2831 - Pages: 12
...Sherrah Adderley Ms. Marjorie Downie Eng 300 October 16, 2012 Should the government invest in solar energy? The impact of high crude prices on the economy has always been negative, resulting in high energy cost. Many Bahamians continue to struggle to keep their lights on due to the constant increases in surcharge on electric bills by The Bahamas electricity Corporation (BEC) .To reduce this energy load, the government should invest in renewable energy such as solar energy. Solar power is one way we can explore renewable energy. Maybe Bahamians are reluctant to explore renewable energy because of perceived difficulty or cost. The government should invest in solar power because; it reduces cost, environmental safe and may create jobs.(smith) Solar energy reduces cost. Since solar energy is hundred percent free it means that it can reduce the energy loads such as lowering electricity bills by the use of solar panels, solar lights and other solar products. Solar panel is cost effective as it requires no maintenance. (Van) Once installed, there are no recurring costs involved and money can be saved in the long run. Solar lights are easy to install. This is because there are a few wiring issues and little need to ever dig supporting trenches. Many Bahamians argue that it is misleading to say that solar energy is free However, the price of solar energy is found in the expense of the technology and other factors involved in extracting it and transforming it into...
Words: 1175 - Pages: 5
...fossil fuel. How is this fossil fuel used? What are the adverse effects on the environment? Fuel oil is one of the most commonly used fossil fuels. The adverse affects of these fuel is not only all of the pollution it causes since it is one of the things that we pretty much require to sustain the way of life that we currently have, but also because of the tow it takes on the environment to find it for one and produce the fuel oils. I think that one of the main concerns in my head in regards to fuel oils is deep sea petroleum drilling since it is so hard to contain a bursting pipe one thing that comes to my mind is the oil spill in the gulf of Mexico in 2010 that leaked around 5 million barrels of oil during 89 days until it was finally plugged and stopped the catastrophe. 2. Select a local or regional alternative energy resource. How might this resource be used to supplement or replace fossil fuels? Washington State is one of the leading states in alternate energy sources being used. In the state there is one of the biggest damns in the whole country, also a lot of the farmers use solar panels to lower the costs of running their houses. The state even provides a rebate when you invest on solar panels for your house. The one other energy source that we have in Washington State are wind towers and you can see them when you are driving thru western Washington. I think that the only way this energy sources could be used to replace fossil fuels is the way that the energy being produced...
Words: 522 - Pages: 3
...1.Recycling Unfortunately, there seem to be many people who think that only governments and big companies in general should do something to conserve the environment. This is however untrue. Every single individual is actually able to participate in protecting this planet frompollution and suffocation caused by all kinds of residues and waste “produced” by the world’s population. It is actually quite easy to go green. Taking care of the environment should be everyone’s responsibility and privilege at the same time; the privilege to conserve the planet for the generations to come. There are numerous ways in which environment protection and conservation can be achieved.Nevertheless, we will try to enumerate ten of the most common and simple ones. They are easy to do by absolutely anyone with a little bit of good will. There are three essential verbs youshould keep in mind: reduce, recycle, reuse. Recycle everything you can and try to buy reusable and biodegradable products as much as possible. Whether it is glass or paper, plastic or metal, all these materials can be re-used. Empty jars, wine bottles, broken glasses and absolutely any other item made of glass which is no longer useful should be recycled. It takes a million years for glass to decompose. Also, old newspapers, paper wraps, cardboard, sheets of paper you no longer need should all reach the paper container and be sent in order to be recycled. Millions of trees will thank you for that. It is amazing to see that...
Words: 1735 - Pages: 7
