Reduce Non-Renewable Energy Use At Home
A little over 57% of our electricity in Naperville is generated by coal-fired power plants (98% of Naperville electricity comes from non-renewable sources). We all need to increase the energy efficiency and energy conservation in our homes. Below is a chart which identifies the most effective actions you can take to reduce your use of GHG polluting power sources:
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MOST EFFECTIVE ENERGY SAVING ACTIONS |
Electricity and Natural Gas account for 68% of Naperville’s GHG Emissions. Below is a list of actions in order of effectiveness, with the percent energy savings potential. To get a greater understanding of your homes efficiency, consider conducting a HOME ENERGY AUDIT. Both EnergyStar.gov and Nicor.com offer do-it-yourself audits online, however the best audit will come from a HERS certified auditor. A directory of certified energy auditors can be found on the RESNET web site at http://www.resnet.us/directory/raters.aspx .
1. Space conditioning: Install/upgrade attic insulation and ventilation - UP TO 7%
2. Lighting: Replace 85 percent of all incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs - UP TO 4%
3. Space conditioning/Heat: Turn down thermostat from 72F to 68F during the day and to 65F at night. A/C: Turn up thermostat from 73F to 78F - UP TO 3.4%
4. Space conditioning: Install a more efficient heating unit (with at least 92 percent efficiency) - UP TO 2.9%
5. Space conditioning: Caulk/weather-strip home - UP TO 2.5%
6. Space conditioning: Install a more efficient A/C unit (SEER 13 or EER 12 units) - UP TO 2.2%
7. Refrigeration/freezing: install a more efficient unit (replace a 19-21.4 cubic foot top freezer bought between 1993 and 2000 with a new Energy Star unit) - UP TO 1.9%
8. Water heating: Install a more efficient water heater (EFS .7 unit) - UP TO 1.5%
9. Water heating: Use only warm (or cold) wash, cold rinse setting - UP TO 1.2 %
10. Participate in Naperville’s Renewable Energy Program
We are very fortunate here in Naperville to have the option of purchasing renewable energy through the city’s Renewable Energy Program. NCEC is even more fortunate that you can contribute to our organization when you do so! When signing up, choose “NCEC” from the “How Did You Hear About Us?” menu, and NCEC will receive a small donation from Community Energy.
Follow this link for more information about the program: http://www.naperville.il.us/renewable.aspx
Or this one to sign up: http://www.newwindenergy.com/index.php?id=57
