8.03 Conservation Techniques for the Home Housing & Interiors 8.03 Conservation Techniques for the Home

Energy 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.____________________ _______________________________________, have a higher resale value. Energy Star appliances, TVs, computers, light bulbs use less energy, last longer, need fewer repairs.

Traditional Energy Sources Traditional is coal, oil, natural gas or Fossil fuels. Formed in the earth from remains of prehistoric animals or plants. __________________________________(once used cannot be replaced), are more expensive, _______________________ (increases health hazards and contributing to climate changes)

Traditional Energy Sources Natural gas is_______________. Must be brought to home/building by pipe lines Oil is stored in tanks in or near the house. Does not burn cleanly and___________________ Coal is mostly used by large utility companies to generate electricity. ______________________________________________________________________________, Major cause of acid rain and smog, Releases carbon dioxide into air therefore contributing to global climate changes

Nuclear Power Nuclear power:_________________________ _______________________________, 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. ________________________________________________________________________________

Additional Power Sources Solar power: sun is most powerful energy source available, _____________________ Geothermal energy: _____________ __________________________________Wind power:________________________, utility companies are creating power by using wind “farms”

WATER Conservation _________________________________________________. 97% is salt water and 2% is in form of glaciers/polar ice

Orientation _________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Orientation Homes should have windows __________________as much as possible in order to allow for sun absorption ______________________________around the house. These also help to cool in summer and warm in winter, can lower utility bills by 10-15% _____________trees/shrubs: do not lose leaves, usually have needles and remain green all year _____________trees/shrubs: lose their leaves in fall and have new growth in spring

Topography ___________________________ Level land is easiest to build on and least expensive to landscape Placing a home ____________________so that it is protected from a cold North Wind is an example of considering the land’s topography

Xeriscaping Choosing plants to conserve water Xericaping:____________________________________________________________________________ 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