Answers To Energy Test

Today employees at multiple Nokia Siemens Network's locations are testing their energy I.Q. See how you faired with yesterday's quiz.

1. Cleaning the removable screen on your dryer can reduce your energy use?

True. When the screen on the dryer isn’t cleaned regularly, in addition to a fire hazard, it puts unnecessary stress on the dryer. It then has to work harder and longer to dry your clothes.

2. Something as small as electrical outlets can be sources of air leaks in your home?

True. Foam plates can be purchased at any home improvement store and placed behind the plastic outlet plates to reduce any air leaks that may come from empty outlets. And you know those plastic protectors we used when our kids were little? They can protect more than little fingers. Those will help as well. Small as these leaks may be, they’re an easy quick fix.

3. Should tinted film added to home windows be applied to the outside or the inside of the windows?

Outside. This is very important because if applied to the inside of the window, it reflects the sun’s heat back onto the glass and the temperature can exceed that which the window can tolerate. When applied to the outside of the window, the sun’s heat is radiated immediately back outdoors where it belongs.

4. Which refrigerator is more energy efficient; a top freezer model or a side by side model?

According to the U.S. Dept of Energy’s guide, top freezer models are more energy efficient.

5. Is it possible to get rebates from your utility company for home improvements you make that increase your home’s energy efficiency?

Yes. Check with your local utility company for rebates available in your area. Some companies will rebate money for things as simple as changing the air filter in your Heating and Cooling system.

6. How can ceiling fans help in the winter to conserve energy use?

Ceiling fans are not just for producing cool breezes in those hot summer months. They can be used year around to ensure air circulation throughout your home. In the winter, those fans move the warm air that gets caught at the ceiling back down to where we can feel it. This is especially important for homes with high or vaulted ceilings where hot air gets trap in the winter causing your utility bills to soar while you’re just trying to maintain a comfortable temperature.

If you don’t like the feel of a breeze, change the direction your fan moves. Most ceiling fans have a switch on the side making this a simple step. Changing the direction of the fan to counter clockwise will push the air up to the ceiling but with enough force that it bounces off and back down the walls. However either direction will increase air circulation and makes cents (sorry, I had to).

7. Dirt on the inside of the insulation around your duct work indicates what?

A leak. The insulation is now acting as a filter which is why there is dirt on it. The concern here though is the air you’ve spent money to condition (either cool or heat) is now escaping before you ever feel it.

8. When considering insulation, what does the R value mean?

The R value measures the insulation’s ability to resist heat transfer. This resistance will keep you cool in the summer and cozy in the winter.

9. Ideally you’d like your attic to be so well sealed that if up there in the daytime with the light off, you’d see no visible sunlight streaming in.

False. Attics require proper ventilation to prevent heat build up. Ideally you DO want to see sunlight streaming in through the vents. That means they are clean and clear and able to do perform their best.

10. It is recommended that your furnace be set at ____˚ in the winter and your air conditioner set at ____° in the summer.

68˚ in winter/ 78° in summer
For each degree you set the thermostat higher in the winter and lower in the summer, you can expect to see a 3% increase in your energy costs. Therefore the opposite is true and because our heat is now set at 67, I can expect to see a 3% DECREASE in our energy costs. I like that side of the equation better.

11. The Georgia Governor’s Challenge requires all state agencies and departments to reduce their energy consumption at least 15% by which year?

2020 using 2007 as the baseline year.

12. There is an 80% chance your home is not insulated well if it was built before which year?

1980. The U.S. Dept. of Energy estimates that only 20% of houses built before 1980 are well insulated. Insulation creates a more uniform temperature through your home reducing your energy costs and making you and your budget more comfortable.

13. What does the average U.S. family spend a year on utilities?

$1900, according to the U.S. Dept of Energy. Most of this is spent on heating and cooling our homes. Next in line is our love of hot water and after that it’s our lights, computers, refrigerators, and all things that plug in.

14. Leaky duct work is responsible for up to 60% of lost air. This results in higher energy bills and also potentially dangerous levels of what?

Carbon Monoxide. Every home should have a CO detector to warn homeowners if it reaches potentially dangerous levels. Hire a qualified professional for duct repairs.

15. Condensation in between the glass on double paned windows indicates the seal is broken. Will this result in energy loss?

Yes. Once the seal in the window has broken down, it has lost its insulating value. Consult a glass company or licensed contractor to correct this.

We’d like to thank the following resources for their professional input:

U.S. Dept of Energy
Amie Webster, H.I.P Group 770-500-6834 HIPgroupInc@gmail.com
Sidney Avesian Construction 770-993-7370