Energy Savings- Bloomin' Lumens

Did you know
Action Steps
Resources
Handouts
Kermit's Laments
Activity/Displays

Did you know:

  • CFLs use ¼ of the energy that incandescent bulbs use.

  • The average American consumes six times more energy than the world average.

  • You can save 10% or more on your energy bill by stopping the air leaks in your home.

  • In the average home, 75% of the electricity used to power home electronics is consumed while the products are turned off.

Action Steps:

  • Get a Home Energy Audit from a Qualified Contractor (BPI Certified)

  • Replace your Incandescent Light Bulbs with Compact Fluorescent Lamps (CFL’s)

  • Safely Address Energy Leaks in your Home

    • Seal up cracks and leaks with caulk or foam

    • Install more insulation

    • Use door sweeps

    • Put plastic over the windows in winter

    • Remove/cover air conditioners in winter

  • Turn Off the Lights/TV/Appliances when not needed

  • Turn the heat down to 65 degrees in the winter (and turn it lower when you’re not at home)

  • Use ENERGY STAR appliances and lighting

  • Have your Heating System cleaned & checked for safety & efficiency yearly

 

Resources:

Handouts:

Kermit's Laments:

  • Aren't these bulbs worse for the environment because they contain mercury?

    • CFLs use far less energy than incandescent bulbs, so they reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electrical generating stations powered by fossil fuels

    • CFLs last up to 10 times longer than incandescent bulbs, so fewer bulbs and less packaging ends up in landfills

    • the amount of mercury in a CFL is so small – less than one-fifth of the mercury found in a wristwatch battery – that it does not pose a significant threat to human health or the environment (nevertheless, CFLs should be handled with care and disposed of properly)

    • by decreasing the demand for electricity from coal-fired generation plants –– CFLs can actually reduce mercury levels in the environment

  • Where should we throw out CFLs?

  • Suggestions to save on energy use

    • never set home heat thermostat above 68*

    • wear sweater, shoes, heavy clothing inside

    • do exercises to warm inside the home

    • wear knit cap (nightcap) to bed- 80% of body heat is lost from heat and feet

    • turn heat thermostat to 62*-64* at night

    • put plastic window over inside of drafty window

 

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