Climate Change
In the United States
Climate change caused by greenhouse
gases could affect every region of the
country. Rainfall patterns could change,
damaging crops and forests. Sea level could
rise, flooding coastal areas. Our wasteful use
of energy also contributes to air pollution
problems such as low-level ozone, smog,
and acid rain.
The average family's energy use generates
over 11,200 pounds of atmospheric pol-
lutants each year. The good news is that we,
as individuals, can reduce this pollution.
the Earth
Saving Energy
Helps protect the environ-
ment
Saves you money
Strengthens your local
economy
Helps our nation become
energy independent
Energy Waste
is Polluting
Our Planet
For More Information
To team more about saving energy in your home, contact
your state energy office or local utility. Many communities
also have nonprofit organizations which oftei energy
education programs.
For information on climate change
and saving energy, contact:
The U. S. Environmental Protection Agency
Climate Change Division
Planning, Policy, and Analysis
401 M Street SW
Washington DC. 20460
(202) 260-4314
Keep Your Indoor Environment
Healthy, Too!
Inside your home can be as polluted as out-
doors. Learn to properly handle toxic chemi-
cals such as paints, solvents, pesticides and
cleaners. If you have concerns about indoor
air pollution, call the EPA at 1 -800-438-4318.
You should also consider testing your home
for radon, which is a colorless, odorless
radioactive gas that occurs naturally in the
soil and is the leading cause of lung cancer
in people who do not smoke. Testing your
home for radon is easy and inexpensive. If
you have concerns about radon, call the EPA
at 1-800-SOS-RADON (1-800-767-7236).
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
This brochure was prepared by
The Southface Energy Institute
P.O. Box 5506
Atlanta, Georgia 30307
404/525-7657
Printed on Recycled Paper
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10 Steps to Save Energy
and Reduce Pollution
Stop Air Leaks
In winter, air leaks rob your house
of heat and can make it too dry.
In summer, air leaks can make
your house too humid and drive
up air conditioning bills. As
much as 40% of your heating
and cooling costs can be due to
air leaks.
2
Insulate Your Home
Insulating the ceiling, walls, and floor of your home will cut
energy waste, lower utility bills, and improve comfort.
If there is less than 6 inches (R-19) of ceiling insulation,
bring ceiling insulation levels up to a minimum of 10 inches
(R-30). Before insulating, be sure to seal air leaks between
the house and attic.
Adding insulation to outside wall
cavities can reduce heat flow
and air leaks Consult with a
knowledgeable professional
about blowing insulation intothe
wall cavities.
Install insulation between flooi
joists and place a plastic ground
cover over bare earth under-
neath your home to reduce
moisture in the crawl space.
3
Seal and Insulate Ducts
Many homes lose between 10 30% of then heated and
cooled air through duct leaks Duct leaks can aiso be a
source of harmful oust mold, excess humidity, and toxins
such as pesticides combustion byproducts and radon
Have a knowieufieaoie niofessi; >i lal check your home for
due t leakage Seal leaks with a permanent sealant such as
duct mast,;:
4
Cut Hot Water Bills
Hot water costs can be over $400 a year for the average
family Simple conservation measures can often trim that bill
by 30%
Wrap an insulation jacket
around the water heater.
Also insulate hot and cold
water pipes nearest the tank.
Set the watei heatei
temperature a: 120" to 140°
Fahrenheit (Low to Medium).
This saves eneiyy and
reduces the risk of scalding.
Install low-How showerheacls
and faucet aerators. These
provide a toiceful spray, yet
reduce the water wasted
down the drain.
5
Tighten Up Windows
In winter, windows let heat out,
in summer they let sunlight
and heat inside.
Stop air leaks around the edges
of windows and doors by caulk-
ing the trim to the wall, tnen in-
stalling weatherstripping
Adding stotm windows over
Single-pane windows further
reduces heat loss Be certain to
weatherize the primaiy win-
dows before adding storms.
Storm doois aie not generally
recommended for energy
savinos
6
Shade Your Home
Shading the outside of a house keeps it cooler in summer,
saving on air conditioning costs
Shading windows is especially
important. Consider using a trel-
!is, awning, or sunscreen.
Sunscreens, similar to insect
screening, have a special weave
that block;; suniigh; They aie
idea! for shacMig east, south,
and west windows. Closing cur-
tains and shades during sum-
mer days will also keep your
house cooler.
A tree can :educe the need
'or ar conditioning by keep
ng youi house shaded and
Cy cooling the surrounding
air through evaporation of
moisture. Trees absorb at-
mospheric carbon dioxide
(CO2) - as much as 30
pounds per t:ee each year
Deciduous trees shade sum-
mer sun, and in wintei drop
their leaves and allow sun-
light to warm the house.
Trees help save energy,
protect the environment, pro-
vide homes for wildlife, and
increase property values
7
Buy Efficient Appliances
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An energy efficient appliance
may cost more to buy, but its
energy savings will quickly
repay the extra cost. Energy
efficient appliances also give
off less waste heat, which will
keep your home cooler in
summer
Use the EnergyGuide label to
choose an appliance that is
energy efficient.
8
Trim Lighting Costs
While lighting costs foi homes are usually less than for
heating, cooling and hot watei, you can still cut energy
waste
Incandescent lighting is not
efficient Use fluorescent
lights wherever possible in
areas where general lighting
is needed, such as kitchens,
family rooms, and baths A
compact fluorescent is a
special iight bulb that
screws into many incandes-
cent sockets, but which can
last 10 times longer, save
ove: $40 in electricity costs
and eliminate 500 pounds of
atmospheric pollutants
Outside security lighting can be expensive. Two 150-watt
floodlights cost over $60 more each year to operate than
an energy efficient high pressure sodium outdoor light
and provide less lighting.
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9
Heat and Cool Wisely
Keeping your heating and cooling equipment serviced, and
operating it properly saves energy and extends its life.
Programmable thermostats automatically adjust the
temperature setting and can save you energy and money.
Choose a model which suits your lifestyle and particular
heating and cooling equipment.
When you have to replace equipment, select energy effi-
cient models that are the correct size for your home.
Consult your local utility or state energy office for
guidelines.
10
Save Energy on the Road
The average American automobile spews its weight in
pollutants into the atmosphere each year. More than 80%
of auto travel is for trips of less than 3 miles. Walk, ride a
bicycle, use mass transit, and group errands to minimize
driving. Auto emissions account for about 60% of air
pollution in our cities drive less and save our air.
Keep your auto properly tuned and its tires inflated to reduce
pollution and save fuel. When your auto air conditioner is
serviced, insist that the mechanic recycles the
chlcrofluorocarbons (CFCs) used for the refrigerant -
release of CFCs into the atmosphere contributes to the
depletion of the earth's protective ozone layer.
When buying a new automobile, choose a fuel efficient
model. Over its life, a car that achieves 35 miles per gallon
will save around $3,000 and 30 tons of pollution compared
with a model that gets 18 miles per gallon. Every gallon of
gas you save prevents 20 pounds of CO2 from polluting
the planet.
Your Home's
Planet Protection Plan
Use this simple checklist to cut energy waste in your
home. Remember saving energy saves money
and helps stop pollution.
The Dollar Sign ($) represents estimated savings for an average
home. Start with those measures that offer the greatest savings ($$$$).
Your savings may vary, so check with a knowledgeable professional.
1.
STOP AIR LEAKS
$$$$
LJ Weatherstrip and insulate attic door
ED Cover whole house fan when not in use
ED Put dampers or covers on fireplaces
ED Seal openings for plumbing, wiring,
and ductwork
ED Install gaskets behind coverplates for
electrical switches and outlets
2. INSULATE YOUR HOME $$$$
EH Add attic insulation if there is less than
6 inches (R-19) present
ED Insulate walls if no insulation is present
ED Insulate floors over unheated areas
3. SEAL AND INSULATE $$$$
AIR DUCTS
D Seal air leaks in forced-air heating and
cooling ductwork
ED Insulate supply and return ducts
ED Undercut interior doors for proper air circulation
4. CUT HOT WATER BILLS $ $ $
ED Wrap water heater with insulation jacket
EH Set hot water temperature at low or
medium (120-140°F)
D Install water-saving showerheads and
faucet aerators
ED Fix plumbing leaks promptly
5. IMPROVE WINDOW $$
EFFICIENCY
LJ Caulk window and door trim
EH Install weatherstripping on drafty
windows and doors
ED Add storm windows to single-glazed windows
(over)
Show That YOU Care About
Our Planet
Mail this postage-paid card telling us what steps
you've taken to cut energy waste. We'll send you a
Planet Protection window decal that shows your
commitment to protecting our planet.
(Please check the measures you are taking)
1. Stop Air Leaks
2. Insulate My Home
3. Cut Hot Water Bills
Already Will Does Not
Done Do Apply
D D D
D D D
nan
4. Seal and Insulate Ducts D D D
5. Improve Window Efficiency D
6. Shade My Home D D D
7. Buy Efficient Appliances D
8. Trim Lighting Costs
9. Heat and Cool Wisely D D D
10. Save Energy on the Road D
1 pledge to take these steps to cut energy
waste in my home and car. I realize that these
actions will help to protect the planet and save
money as well.
Signature
(Fill in the information below. Please print)
Name
Address
City
State
Zip
Phone
Return this postage-paid card
to receive your Planet Protection decal
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7.
SHADE YOUR HOME $$$
CD Shade windows with sunscreens,
awnings or trellises
D Close interior curtains and blinds in
summer to block sunlight
CD Plant deciduous trees to shade the west,
east and south sides of your home
BUY EFFICIENT APPLIANCES $$
[3 Use EnergyGuide tag to compare energy
use when shopping for new appliances
EH Clean refrigerator coils to increase
efficiency and protect the motor
O Operate dishwasher, clothes washer, and
dryer only when full and use energy saver
settings
8.
TRIM LIGHTING COSTS
S$
Consider compact fluorescent bulbs
for incandescent lights used over 4 hours
each day
Use energy efficient exterior lighting
Switch lights off when not needed
9.
HEAT AND COOL WISELY
$$$
LJ Clean or replace filters each month that furnace,
air conditioner, or heat pump is in use
L~H Service equipment regularly
L~H Install a programmable or set back thermostat
L~H Replace inefficient heating and cooling equip-
ment with high efficiency models
10.SAVE ENERGY ON THE ROAD $$$$
CH Maintain proper tire pressure
LH Keep your auto's engine tuned
CH Recycle used motor oil and air
conditioner refrigerants
L~H Minimize driving, use mass transit, and
buy fuel efficient vehicles
Foss/7 Fuels and Climate
Change
Our earth is surrounded by a blanket of gases
that acts like a giant greenhouse to keep us
warm. Unfortunately, our use of fossil fuels,
such as coal, oil, and natural gas, has con-
tributed an excess of carbon dioxide and
other greenhouse gases to our atmosphere.
Many scientists fear that greenhouse gases
will warm the atmosphere and drastically alter
world weather patterns.
If we continue to use energy at our current
rate, experts predict an increase of 3 to 9
degrees Fahrenheit in the Earth's tempera-
ture over the next 50 years. Although that may
seem small, consider that the temperature
has risen only about 7 degrees since the last
Ice Age when huge glaciers covered much of
the United States.
Planet Protection Plan
To reduce greenhouse gases we must con-
serve energy in our homes and automobiles.
We must all work together today, before it is
too late, to leave a healthy planet for future
generations.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
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