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Adopting a solar energy solution for a 2000-square foot home could eliminate 3 1/2 tons of CO2 emissions over the first year. That's the equivalent of planting more than 20,000 square feet of trees every year for the next 20 years!
Energy conservation is any behavior that results in the use of less energy. Energy efficiency is the use of technology that requires less energy to perform the same function. A compact fluorescent light bulb that uses less energy than an incandescent bulb to produce the same amount of light is an example of energy efficiency. The decision to replace an incandescent light bulb with a compact fluorescent is an example of energy conservation.
About one-third of a typical home's heat loss occurs through the doors and windows. Energy-efficient doors are insulated and seal tightly to prevent air from leaking through or around them. If your doors are in good shape and you don't want to replace them, make sure they seal tightly and have door sweeps at the bottom to prevent air leaks. Installing insulated storm doors provides an additional barrier to leaking air.
Source: DOE, Energy Information Administration
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There are simple steps you can take today to improve your energy efficiency and save on your energy bills. To get you started, we've compiled a list of 10+ things you can do around the house to help reduce YOUR energy consumption.
- Turn off electronics, lamps and ceiling lights when not in use.
- Check your furnace and air conditioner filters monthly. Clogged filters not only waste energy, they can shorten the life of your equipment.
- As they burn out, replace incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient fluorescent bulbs. They use close to 66% less energy and last 10 times as long.
- During hot months, keep your window shades down and curtains closed on the South, West and East sides of your home. In the winter, go passive-solar by letting the sun in to help warm things up.
- Glass fireplace doors will help keep your hot air from blowing out the chimney. Keep your flue closed when your fireplace isn't in use.
- Lower the temperature on your hot water heater to 120�F. Take shorter showers and use cold water for laundry when you can.
- Install low-flow shower heads and sink aerators.
- Wrap your hot water heater and hot water pipes in insulated wrap.
- Make sure your storm windows fit properly.
- As you need to, replace major appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, stoves, dishwashers, air conditioner units, washers and dryers with latest energy efficient models.
- Stay current, new ideas and solutions are emerging every day. Keep in touch with www.modernenergyplan.com for updates.
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