8.03 Conservation Techniques for the Home

Energy Lower thermometer to 68 in winter and raise to 78 in summer Energy Star: homes that have been identified as energy-efficient due to improved insulation and windows, heating/cooling systems designed to work with minimal waste. These homes will use up to 30% less energy than other homes, have a higher resale value. Energy Star appliances, TVs, computers, light bulbs use less energy, last longer, need fewer repairs

Traditional Energy Sources 1. Traditional is coal, oil, natural gas or Fossil fuels. Formed in the earth from remains of prehistoric animals or plants. These are NOT renewable (once used cannot be replaced), are more expensive, adds pollution to environment (increases health hazards and contributing to climate changes)

Natural gas is clean burning. Must be brought to home/building by pipe lines Oil is stored in tanks in or near the house. Does not burn cleanly and adds to pollution

Coal is mostly used by large utility companies to generate electricity. Pollutes the air, Contributes to illness such as asthma, lung diseases, Major cause of acid rain and smog, Releases carbon dioxide into air therefore contributing to global climate changes

Alternate Energy Sources Energy that is renewable and does not pollute also known as green energy

Hydroelectric power: use moving water of rivers to drive electrical generators, 10% of power generated in USA today, clean and renewable, not likely to increase much in the future due to few sites remaining that are appropriate for dams and reservoirs

Nuclear power: reactors fueled by uranium produce heat, which is used to make steam that drives the turbines which powers the generators to make electricity (McGuire Nuclear Plant in Charlotte). Very expensive to build, radioactive materials can leak and pollute surrounding land; contaminated materials can be vented to the air and can spread throughout the atmosphere. Nuclear waste is hard to dispose of because it remains hazardous for centuries

Solar power: sun is most powerful energy source available, clean, and plentiful Geothermal energy: heat from the earth’s interior Wind power: clean and renewable, utility companies are creating power by using wind “farms”

WATER Conservation. Less than 1% of world’s water is suitable for people to drink. 97% is salt water and 2% is in form of glaciers/polar ice

Conserving Water Daily Run washing machine with FULL loads only. Use correct amount of detergent Wash full load of dishes in dishwasher Take short showers Fix leaky faucets and toilets Use ultra-low flush toilets (building code may require these in new homes) Use sprinklers in early morning or late at night. Most of water is evaporated in warmer air

House design and landscaping 1. Orientation: how a house is positioned on the lot considering the location of sun, prevailing winds, water sources, and scenic views

Homes should have windows facing south and west as much as possible in order to allow for sun absorption Use trees and shrubs as natural windbreak around the house. These also help to cool in summer and warm in winter, can lower utility bills by 10-15% Coniferous trees/shrubs: do not lose leaves, usually have needles and remain green all year Deciduous trees/shrubs: lose their leaves in fall and have new growth in spring

Topography: contour or lay of the land. 1. Level land is easiest to build on and least expensive to landscape 2. Gentle, rolling terrain is ideal with natural drainage, contemporary homes would be best suited for this type of land 3. Place homes at bottom of hill to avoid winds 4. Improper grading and leveling of land can cause improper drainage and can cause water to form gullies, holes, take away good soil

Xericaping: landscaping with plants in order to conserve water Use native plants as much as possible for the area Less water will help plants to develop deep roots and make the plants more drought resistant ….over watering will make roots rot & die