Department of Energy Energy Savers PowerPoint: Your Home’s Energy Use 2 of 12

This 12 part PowerPoint series is taken directly from Energy Savers Booklet, Tips on Saving Energy & Money at Home, U.S. Department of Energy

Contents 1. Save Energy and Money Today 2. Your Home’s Energy Use 3. Insulation and Sealing Air Leaks 4. Heating and Cooling 5. Water Heating 6. Windows 7. Lighting 8. Appliances 9. Home Office and Home Electronics 10. Driving and Car Maintenance 11. Renewable Energy 12. References

Your Home’s Energy Use This presentation will show you how easy it is to reduce your energy use at home. Easy, practical solutions include tips you can use, throughout your home— from the roof, walls, and insulation that enclose it to the appliances and lights inside.

Your Home’s Energy Use Reduce energy demandCut amount of resources neededCreate less greenhouse gas emissionsReduce utility bills

U.S. Home Energy Use Computers & Electronics 9%

Home Energy Audit Conduct the home energy audit yourself, or Contact your local utility, or Call an independent energy auditor Home Energy Audit Identifies areas that use the most energy Suggests ways to cut your energy costs

Energy Auditing Tips 6 easy energy auditing tips

Energy Auditing Tips Check insulation levels in attic, exterior and basement walls, ceilings, floors and crawl spaces

Energy Auditing Tips Image Courtesy of U.S. EPA Where are the air leaks?

Energy Auditing Tips Fireplace damper Open with a fire Closed when there is no fire

Energy Auditing Tips Read and follow all maintenance manuals

Energy Auditing Tips Correctly position lamps and consider Intended use Amount of light needed for the task Lamp’s energy efficiency

Energy Auditing Tips Replace incandescent light bulbs with fluorescent lamps

Energy Auditing Tips

Formulating Your Plan Assign priorities by asking questions How much money do you spend on energy?

Formulating Your Plan Assign priorities by asking questions Where are your greatest energy losses?

Formulating Your Plan Assign priorities by asking questions How long will it take for an investment in energy efficiency to pay for itself in energy cost savings? $

Formulating Your Plan Assign priorities by asking questions Do the energy-saving measures provide additional benefits that are important to you?

Formulating Your Plan Assign priorities by asking questions How long do you plan to own your current home?

Formulating Your Plan Assign priorities by asking questions Can you do the job yourself or will you need to hire a contractor?

Formulating Your Plan Assign priorities by asking questions What is your budget and how much time do you have to spend on maintenance and repair?

Planning Prioritize energy needs Form whole house efficiency plan – Strategy for making smart purchases – Strategy for making home improvements

Professional Advice Utility companies conduct energy audits – Low fee Professional contractor – Tests Blower door Infrared cameras Surface thermometers – Calculate return on investment

Heat Loss from a House CoolHot Thermal photo shows heat leaking from a house

Tips for Finding a Contractor Ask neighbors and friends for recommendations Look in the Yellow Pages Focus on local companies Look for licensed, insured contractors Get three bids with details in writing Ask about previous experience

Tips for Finding a Contractor Remember to Check references Check with the Better Business Bureau

Summary Durable Convenient and practical Healthy Resource-efficient