15 Minute Leader Lesson Win it in a minute: Conserve resources with home energy management Managing home cooling

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Source: US Department of Energy

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted… Source: US Department of Energy

Prioritizing Common denominators Unique needs

Let’s concentrate on the “important few” for average consumers 1 2 3

Space cooling

BIG IMPACT stuff to do in a minute (or a few minutes) to control space cooling Set the thermostat to 78 degrees when you are at home; set it higher when you are away Consider using a programmable thermostat Source:

Programmable thermostat example GP: Purchase programmable; take picture and give the details

WAIT A MINUTE! Aren’t you just wasting energy when you’re adjusting the thermostat so much? Isn’t lots of energy being wasted being the house back to temperature? It takes too long for the house to COOL off!

MORE BIG IMPACT stuff to do in a minute (or a few minutes) to control space cooling Check insulation levels in your attic; If you can see rafters, you need more insulation Cool off with loose fitting, v-neck garments in light natural fibers

MORE BIG IMPACT stuff to do in a minute (or a few minutes) to control space cooling Check for hidden leaks Think about the building envelope! Consider holes, cracks, drafts, etc. Check for obvious air leaks: Flashlight method; feather; incense stick

EVEN More Ways to Reduce Space Cooling Costs Change filters Close damper Schedule tune-ups Schedule duct work inspection

One more thing! Check the operation of your heating and cooling system with a fairly simple test…

Let’s take a moment… Please name one thing that you would be willing to do to save home cooling energy! Please fill in evaluation

Thank you!