Visualizing Environmental Science

462 CHAPTER 18 Renewable Energy Resources

Some energy-saving improvements, such as thicker

wall insulation, are easiest to install while a home is be-

ing built. Other improvements can be made to older

homes to reduce heating and cooling costs and en-

hance energy efficiency. Examples include installing

thicker attic insulation, installing storm windows and

doors, caulking cracks around windows and doors,

replacing inefficient furnaces and refrigerators, and

adding heat pumps. Most local utility companies will

also perform an energy audit on a home for little or

no charge.

1. What is the difference between energy
   conservation and energy efficiency?


2. How can you conserve energy at home?

this, some energy experts envision that future elec-
tricity will be generated far from population centers,
converted to supercooled hydrogen, and transported
through underground superconducting pipelines. The
technology to build such conduits has not yet been
developed.

Energy Conservation at Home

The average U.S. household spends several thousand
dollars each year on utility bills. This cost could be re-
duced considerably with investment in energy-efficient
technologies (Figure 18.17). Although a more energy-
efficient house might cost more up front, depending
on the technologies employed, the improvements usu-
ally pay for themselves in two or three years. Energy
efficiency has become an essential element of design
codes nationwide.

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Close doors and

partially close

vents in unused

rooms.

Set winter thermostat

at 68° or lower and

summer thermostat at

78°F or higher.

Install programmable

thermostat.

Use compact fluorescent

bulbs. Turn off lights

when leaving a room.

Close damper

when fireplace

is not in use.

Install tempered

glass fireplace

doors.

Unplug televisions

and other appliances

when away for an

extended period.

Do not block

vents.

Caulk and

weather-strip

windows and doors.

Install water-

saving faucets

and shower heads.

Take short showers.

Use a microwave

rather than stove

to heat/cook small

portions of food.

Keep coils clean

on refrigerator. Also,

keep refrigerator full.

Set water heater at 140°F with

dishwasher or 120°F without.

Wrap older water heaters and

pipes with insulation.

Clean or replace

air filters in

heating/cooling

systems. Check

ducts for leakage.

Wash only full

loads in washer,

dryer, and dish-

washer. Wash

clothes in cold

water.