What exactly does “energy efficiency” mean?
Energy efficiency means getting the most benefit for your energy dollar.
For example, if you have an older furnace from the 1970s, it’s probably only 65 percent efficient. That means for every dollar you spend on the natural gas that goes into it, you only get 65 cents worth of warm air out of it.
In contrast, a new high-efficiency furnace will have an energy rating of 92 to 96 percent – a dramatic reduction in wasted energy. In other words, a new furnace will use less energy to produce the same amount of heat, resulting in big savings on your utility bills.
As another example, a standard incandescent light bulb uses only ten percent of the electricity it consumes to produce light. The other 90 percent is wasted as heat! Compact fluorescent bulbs use 75-80 percent less electricity to make the same amount of light.
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What’s the best way to reduce my electricity bill?
The answer again depends on the needs of your family. Investing in new high-efficiency appliances will bring the most dramatic reduction, but this isn’t an option for most homeowners.
Instead, remember all the little ways to save energy: turning off lights, washing only full loads of clothes, using smaller kitchen appliances whenever possible. The savings for each is small, but it can add up to a noticeable difference.
To learn more, read our 101 Easy Ways to Save Energy, or download a printable brochure [PDF format].
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Why are my utility bills so much higher than my neighbor’s?
Every family has different energy needs. One factor is the number of people in the household – families with young children use more electricity because they do more laundry, wash more dishes and have more home electronics.
Another consideration is the age of your major appliances. A new high-efficiency central air conditioner will use about half as much electricity as an older model. The energy efficiency of refrigerators and water heaters also has improved greatly over the past ten years.
The quantity of appliances is also important – a second refrigerator or large-capacity freezer can raise your energy costs by more than $100 every year.
To find out exactly where your energy is going, try My Home Comfort Check Up - this online energy audit will identify ways to reduce your electricity and natural gas consumption, without sacrificing your family’s comfort and convenience.
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Why are my utility bills still so high when I'm on vacation?
Many of your appliances and electronics keep drawing power even when you're not home. You can keep energy costs to a minimum while you're away by following our easy Vacation Tips. |
