Pifer, Glenda

English

University of Missouri: MOspace

Energy Management Checklist for The HomeMP-386 EXTENSIONSERVICEUNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTUREsavehergy ★★★★★ save moneyArchival version -- See extension.missouri.eduEnergy Management Checklist for The HomeBy Glenda Fifer, Housing SpecialistExperts may disagree on how long energy sources will last but these facts are clear:• —Known sources of energy are limited. Man is using energy faster than nature can create it.• —American lifestyles require an astonishing amount of energy.• —If we are not in the midst of a real energy crisis now, we are well on our way toward ex­hausting our known energy sources.We should pause to ask ourselves: If we can’t live without energy, how can we live well with less?Conservation of energy in all forms is essential. This does not mean we will receive fewer benefits from energy. Nor does it force us to give up our modern ways of life. It does mean we must use energy as efficiently as possible.We must adjust the everyday living standards which affect the use of our resources. We can slow down our consumption of energy if we change the way we use—and waste—it. Some changes will require time, effort, and money. Others will require a change in our attitudes and values, or in developing new habits and discontinuing old ones. The energy we save today will be available for future use. The energy we use or waste is gone forever. Fortunately, a reduction in energy used also means money saved. This will help to offset increases in energy costs which are inevitable.savenergy ***** save moneyARE YOU A GOOD ENERGY MANAGER?Good management means using resources effectively to obtain the maximum comfort, convenience, pleasure, and satisfaction from your investment.From time to time you need to evaluate the resources used in daily life. In the past, energy was an inexpensive resource, so people didn’t really try to save it. As a result, the supply of energy is being exhausted and the cost has increased.There are many ways to conserve energy in and around the home without sacrificing our level of living. When you reduce the amount of energy use, you also are saving money for other needs.This publication is designed to help you see how effectively you are conserving energy and alert you to how you can improve your efficiency as a manager. Although some of the suggestions involve spending money, the long-range benefits achieved from the reduction in energy used will soon pay for the cost. Some suggestions will require both time and energy. Your knowledge and skills are resources, too. As energy supplies decrease and costs rise, you must weigh your use of resources with greater care.2TEST YOURSELF . . . YOUR ENERGY CHECKLISTNo doubt you are now trying to conserve energy. This check­list will help you recognize the energy conservation prac­tices you now use, and identify ways you can become an even better energy manager.Have WillDone DoHave WillDone DoInsulation Reduces Heat Loss or Heat Gain, Im­proves Comfort, and Re­duces Energy Required for Heating and Cooling._____  Ceiling—minimum 6-inch mineral wool equivalent.Walls—minimum 4-inch min­eral wool equivalent.Crawl space or unheated basement—minimum 2-inch mineral wool equivalent.Window Protection forWinter_____________________Install storm windows, orDouble or triple glazing, orCover windows with plastic.Utilize Winter Sun_________South and west window ex­posures are best for living areas.Protect House from ColdWinter Wind_______________Plant, or build a windbreak landscape treatment.Design house for maximum protection.Protect entrances.Seal Air Leaks____________Weatherstrip doors and win­dows.Caulk cracks.Seal unused doors.Protect House from Sum- mer Sun__________________Plant trees.Install a roof overhang to protect windows.Use awnings or other treat­ment.Utilize Breezes for Cooling During Warm Season_____Open windows in evening.Close during mid-day.Temperature Control_____  Reduce daytime home heat­ing in winter, maintaining 68° F. or lower temperature.Set air-conditioning unit to recirculate cool air instead of pulling in warmer outside air.Increase temperature setting for summer air-conditioning, 78° F. or higher.Reduce nighttime winter temperature 5°-8° or more.3Have WillDone DoHave WillDone DoUse window and attic fans for cooling during summer when outside temperature is below house temperature.Maintain heating and cooling equipment in good operating condition.Keep air filters clean to make it easier for heating and cooling system to do its job.Close off unused rooms and closets.Use kitchen and bathroom exhaust fans only when nec­essary.Install an exhaust fan in the attic to remove hot air in the summer.Shade windows from direct sun in summer with draper­ies and roll-up shades.Open draperies and roll up shades to receive sun’s heat in winter.Close door of attached ga­rage in winter.Close off flue when fireplace is not in use.Select an energy efficient air-conditioning unit the proper size for space to be cooled. It is better to buy a slightly undersized unit, rather than an oversized one.Repair leaks and insulate heating and cooling ducts in spaces not heated or cooled.Reduce heating and cooling temperatures when away from home for long periods of time.Lighting ________________Turn off unnecessary lights, indoors and out.Reduce lighting levels to minimum for task to be per­formed.Use bulbs with lower wat­tage in halls, stairways, and other areas of general illumi­nation.Use light colors in decorat­ing to improve lighting effi­ciency.Do tasks which require a high light level during the daylight hours when possi­ble.Keep lighting fixtures clean.Use fluorescent lighting for maximum light from electri­cal energy used.Use timers to turn lights on in the evening rather than leaving lights on all day when no one is home.Heating Water____________Reduce the amount of hot water used.Insulate long hot water pipes, especially those un­der the house or those that go through unheated base­ments.4Have WillDone DoHave WillDone DoRepair leaky faucets.Maintain regular temperature setting of 140 F. on water heater when hot water is needed.Laundry___________________Wash only full loads of laun­dry.Use heated water in only the washing cycle.Use water no hotter than necessary for adequate soil removal and sanitation.Use good laundry techniques to obtain satisfactory results in one washing process.Avoid over drying in the dryer.Line dry garments and household items when prac­tical.Use the dryer efficiently. Avoid drying one or two items at one time.Remove items when dryer stops to avoid unnecessary wrinkling, which will require pressing to remove.Reduce ironing to a mini­mum by careful selection of garments and household linens.Cleaning and Maintenance Empty or replace vacuum cleaner bag frequently to keep it functioning effi­ciently.Eliminate unnecessary vacu­uming and floor polishing.Use hand equipment rather than power equipment when practical.Develop preventative main­tenance practices. Routine checkup and servicing will prevent greater problems later.Cooking and BakingUse oven to capacity.Use cooking utensils which fit the electric unit or gas burner.Use tight-fitting lids on cook­ing utensils, when appropri­ate.Reduce heat to maintain necessary cooking tempera­ture when using surface units or burners.Use small appliances for cooking, baking, and toast­ing if they are more efficient than the range.Preheat oven only when nec­essary. Do not preheat longer than needed to attain required temperature.Turn off oven, surface units, or burners promptly when food is cooked.Refrigeration—Refrigerator and FreezerAvoid opening door or hold­ing it open unnecessarily.Keep grills and evaporator coils clean.5Have WillDone DoHave WillDone DoLocate cooling appliances away from a heat source such as the range, hot air register, or direct sun.Defrost as needed.If cold air is leaking around door, have door adjusted or gasket replaced.Turn off, empty, clean and leave refrigerator door open when taking an extended va­cation.Locate the refrigerator and freezer away from heat sources.Dishwashing______________Accumulate dishes; hold un­til the dishwasher is filled. If dishes are hand washed, rinse and hold breakfast dishes until noon or evening.Avoid wasting hot water by leaving it run continuously while washing or rinsing dishes.Personal Care__________Minimize hot water used in bathing. Check to see if less water is used in showering than in tub bathing.Do not leave water running while shaving, brushing teeth, etc.Turn off faucets promptly after use.Recreation and Entertain­ment______________________  Turn off TV, radio, or stereo when no one is really watch­ing or listening.Disconnect or use vacation setting on an instant-on TV when you are not going to be using it regularly.Use shop or hobby equip­ment efficiently.Maintain tools in good oper­ating condition.Encourage family members to develop leisure activities such as bicycling, hiking, reading, swimming, etc., that have low energy costs.Spend vacations closer to home.Encourage home and neigh­borhood activities.The Family AutomobileDrive at a moderate speed.Drive smoothly with gradual starts and stops.Don’t warm up the car for more than a minute or two before driving.Provide proper maintenance; make sure you have well- tuned engines and properly inflated tires.Combine errands by careful planning.Carpool whenever possible.Other Transportation_____Walk, ride a bicycle, or use public transportation when­ever possible.Travel only when necessary.6Cooperative Extension Work:U.S. Department of Agriculture andState Land-Grant Universities Cooperating.Issued May 1975.7UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI-COLUMBIA Reprint from USDA, PA-118.University Libraries  University of Missouri  Digitization Information Page   Local identifier   MP0386  Source information      Format   Book      Content type   Text / Text with images      Source ID        Notes     Capture information      Date captured  9/20/23     Scanner manufacturer Fujitsu     Scanner model  fi-7460      Scanning system software ScandAll Pro v. 2.1.5 Premium     Optical resolution  600 dpi     Color settings     24 bit color      File types   tiff     Notes     Derivatives - Access copy      Compression   Tiff: LZW compression     Editing software  Adobe Photoshop      Resolution   600 dpi     Color    grayscale     File types   tiff     Notes   Images cropped, straightened, brightened... 

Energy management checklist for the home

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Energy management checklist for the home

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