The EPA endorses the use of low-energy appliances as a key to energy conservation.
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The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, was established by the U.S. government in 1970 for the purpose of promoting the health of Americans and protecting the natural environment. The EPA performs monitoring, enforcement and research promoting clean air, clean water and land free of contaminants (see References 1). Energy conservation claims a spot beneath the EPA umbrella, because ideally, when Americans use less energy, commercial power plants produce fewer pollutants.
Energy Star Tips
Energy Star is a conservation program sponsored by EPA and the U.S. Department of Energy. Heating and cooling systems and appliances that meet strict energy efficiency requirements receive the Energy Star label. According to the Energy Star literature, consumers saved the equivalent of the greenhouse gas emissions -- chemicals such as carbon dioxide that form a thermal barrier around the earth's atmosphere, causing global warming -- from 33 million cars in 2009 by making use of certified energy-saving equipment (see References 2). Energy Star recommends doing a whole-house audit to see where energy conservation measures will have the greatest impact. Checking on insulation levels, pinpointing cracks or crevices where heat escapes, evaluating home lighting usage and checking to ensure appliances receive appropriate maintenance are key areas to address. Developing a whole-house efficiency plan accordingly will help you to budget for energy conservation purchases and home improvements.
Holiday Tips
The EPA lists some tips for saving energy during the holidays that help you stay focused on being conservative in the midst of excess. One simple suggestion is reducing your use of plastic and paper bags during the busiest shopping season. While you will not realize the difference on your monthly energy bill, you will help conserve resources and industrial energy usage by consuming fewer bags. The EPA also reminds consumers to put holiday lighting displays on timers to minimize wasted electricity. (See References 3)
Home Improvement Conservation Tips
Making select home renovations can heighten your family's comfort level while saving energy. The EPA recommends replacing inefficient or ill-fitting windows, doors and skylights to seal in heat and cooling. The EPA also advises that annual maintenance on your heating and cooling equipment will maximize its energy efficiency. Another savings strategy is to encourage fresh air flow on temperate days by opening windows and doors. Ceiling and window fans can aid natural cooling while using less energy than a whole-house system. (See References 4)
Household Lighting Tips
The EPA and Energy Star highly recommend the use of compact fluorescent light bulbs, or CFLs, in place of standard incandescent bulbs as a household energy savings measure. CFLs use 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs producing the same level of brightness. The EPA estimates that if every household in the U.S. replaced one light bulb with a CFL, the country would save enough energy to light 3 million additional residences. (See References 4)
Lynne Haley Rose has written extensively for Internet publications on topics in business, finance, fitness and renewable energy. Her poetry has been honored by the Washington Poets Association and published in "Poetry Northwest," "Willow Springs" and online at Fogged Clarity. She has a Bachelor of Arts from Gonzaga University and a Master of Fine Arts in creative writing from Eastern Washington University.
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