Residential Energy Project (1)

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Feb 20, 2024

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Residential Energy Project In this paper, we will discuss the importance of conserving energy in households and explore the various ways I can personally lower energy consumption in my own apartment. Firstly, I will talk about my energy consumption and give you a description of what contributes to it within my own apartment. Then, we will delve into quick and inexpensive energy-saving changes that I can make to improve it. These changes will include easy modifications that can be implemented quickly and affordably, as well as behavior and lifestyle modifications that will help improve energy efficiency and cost savings. Moving on, we will explore long-term energy- saving changes that require a greater investment of time and money to implement. These upgrades will hopefully yield significant reductions in energy consumption and cost over the long run. Lastly, we will identify potential barriers to implementing those energy-saving changes and propose effective solutions to overcome them. By addressing these barriers, we can bring people to embrace sustainable practices and contribute to a more energy-efficient future. The cozy apartment I currently live in with my roommate has approximately 800 square feet of heated and cooled spaces and on average we expect to pay around $110 per month towards our utility bills, which includes both our energy and water usage. The heating and cooling systems in place consist of an electric heat pump, an electric water heater, and an air conditioner. The light fixtures in the apartment are outdated and lack the energy-saving elements that LED bulbs have, which results in higher energy usage and increased costs. The single-pane windows in the apartment also contribute to poor energy efficiency, allowing heat to seep through easily during the warm months and escape out during winter, causing the heating and cooling systems to work longer and harder to keep a comfortable temperature. Furthermore, our apartment houses electronics that contribute to phantom loads. This includes devices such as our television, gaming consoles, chargers, PCs, and more. Lastly, there are significant energy- consuming appliances in the household, such as an older refrigerator and stove, which consume more energy compared to newer, energy-efficient models. Collectively, these factors contribute to inefficient energy consumption in the apartment, highlighting the need for energy-saving upgrades and improvements.

There are several easy and quick changes we could make to our daily routines and the apartment itself that could significantly reduce energy consumption and save us money in the long run. One of the simplest modifications would be to upgrade to energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LED bulbs, which use significantly less energy and last longer than traditional incandescent bulbs. Additionally, adjusting our thermostat by just a few degrees would have a noticeable impact on our energy usage, by lowering the temperature in the winter and raising it in the summer, to be more consistent with the outside temperature, we could lower our utility bill by about 6% monthly (Wibberly, 2020). Along with adjusting our thermostat, we could also save energy by sealing any drafts or gaps in windows, doors, and walls, which prevents heat loss and keeps the apartment cooler, reducing the need for excessive heating or cooling. Another effective change that we could implement is to install low-flow showerheads and faucets, which can significantly reduce water usage and therefore the energy required to heat the water. Furthermore, unplugging electronics and appliances when not in use or utilizing smart power strips can prevent energy waste from phantom loads. Making lifestyle modifications would also definitely contribute to energy efficiency. Simple habits like turning off lights when leaving a room, using natural light whenever possible, washing clothes in cold water, and air-drying laundry instead of using a dryer can all add up to significant energy savings. Lastly, practicing energy-conscious behaviors such as taking shorter showers, using energy-efficient appliances, and utilizing natural ventilation can further enhance our apartment's energy efficiency. By implementing these easy and quick changes and adopting sustainable habits, we could improve energy efficiency, reduce our carbon footprint, and save money on our energy bills. Making long-term energy-saving changes in our apartment would not only save us money on energy costs in the long run but would also help contribute to a more sustainable environment. There are various upgrades that require a longer time and monetary investment, but the benefits they offer are well worth it. One significant change that could be made is to invest in energy-efficient appliances. Upgrading to Energy Star-rated appliances, such as refrigerators, washing machines, and air conditioners, would significantly reduce our energy consumption by 10 to 50 percent when compared to the original appliances (Williams, 2023). These appliances are designed to use less electricity while maintaining optimal performance, resulting in lower energy bills and a decrease in wasted electricity. Another long-term upgrade to consider is improving the apartment's insulation. Proper insulation helps to retain cool air in the summer and significantly reduces how long you keep the air conditioning running. By insulating the walls,

windows, and doors, you can create a more energy-efficient living space and decrease the reliance on air conditioning. Additionally, installing programmable thermostats allows you to set specific temperature schedules, ensuring that energy is not wasted when you're away or asleep. These thermostats can lead to energy savings of up to 15% per year according to the Department of Energy (“ Do Programmable Thermostats “, 2021). These upgrades may require an initial investment, but the long-term benefits in terms of reduced energy consumption and lower energy costs make them worthwhile. According to the lecture, by combining these long-term and short- term changes we could reduce our energy use and utility costs by up to 50%. By making these energy-saving changes in our apartment, we can contribute to a greener planet while enjoying the financial advantages that come with decreased energy usage. When it comes to implementing an energy-saving plan, there can indeed be various barriers that I might face. Social barriers, economic barriers, and more can all come into play. One potential social barrier I anticipate facing is from friends or roommates who may not be on board with energy-saving practices such as keeping the AC off or hang drying clothes. According to Throne‐Holst, Strandbakken, and Stø (2008), one of the barriers to implementing energy-saving changes is the lack of awareness and understanding among individuals and organizations. To fix this, I believe that open communication and education on the benefits of energy conservation and finding alternative solutions to things such as air conditioning could be key. Explaining the importance of reducing energy consumption to my friends and roommates and highlighting the positive impacts it can have on both the environment and our own finances could persuade them to hop on board and support it. Another challenge I anticipate facing is the economic barrier of moving towards energy-conserving solutions. One of the biggest hurdles is the initial cost of energy-efficient products, which tend to be higher compared to conventional household appliances/products. While these solutions may result in long-term cost savings due to reduced energy consumption, the upfront investment can prevent many people on tight budgets from moving towards energy efficiency. To combat this, it is important to conduct research and gather information about the long-term cost savings and environmental benefits associated with these energy-efficient solutions. By understanding the potential return on investment and the positive impact on the environment, we can be better equipped to justify the higher upfront costs. Secondly, exploring available financial incentives, such as government rebates or tax credits, can significantly reduce the economic burden of purchasing energy-efficient solutions (Werner, 2023). These incentives can help offset the initial costs and make these products more accessible

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for people who can’t afford them. By educating ourselves on the long-term financial gain that energy efficiency can provide and taking advantage of the tax breaks and other financial incentives the government supplies, we can push through these barriers to make our homes more efficient. In conclusion, conserving energy in our or anyone’s apartment not only benefits the environment but also helps save money in the long run. By implementing quick and inexpensive energy-saving changes, such as using LED light bulbs, sealing windows and doors, and turning off electronics when not in use, individuals can significantly reduce their energy consumption. In addition, adopting behavior and lifestyle modifications, like adjusting thermostat settings and using natural lighting, can further compound this energy efficiency. As I mentioned, long-term energy-saving changes such as installing programmable thermostats or upgrading to energy- efficient appliances require more time and financial investment. However, these changes offer substantial energy reductions and cost savings over time, especially when combined with financial incentives like tax breaks, which makes them a great choice. The social and economic barriers that people face when implementing energy-saving measures can be troublesome and overbearing to many, but when you account for all of the benefits they provide, you can see that it is a worthwhile investment for the long haul. Overall, this paper highlights the various methods I and many others can implement to conserve energy in their apartments, ultimately promoting a sustainable and cost-effective lifestyle. Work Cited: Do programmable thermostats save you money? . Cadet. (2021, July 7). https://www.cadet.glendimplexamericas.com/en-us/articles/do-programmable-thermostats- really-save-you-money#:~:text=The%20reason%20why%20folks%20often,to%20the %20Department%20of%20Energy. Throne‐Holst, H., Strandbakken, P., & Stø, E. (2008, January 4). Identification of households’ barriers to Energy Saving Solutions . Management of Environmental Quality: An International Journal. https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/14777830810840363/full/html

Werner, E. (2023, January 26). How to make your home more energy efficient - and get a tax break too . The Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-solutions/interactive/2023/home-energy-tax- breaks/ Wibberly, A. (2020, August 19). What’s the best temperature for my thermostat? SmartEnergy. https://www.smartenergy.com/whats-the-best-temperature-for-my- thermostat/#:~:text=In%20the%20summertime%2C%20for%20each,the%20temperature %20outside%2C%20the%20better. Williams, T. (2023, January 31). Energy efficiency appliances: Worth the investment? . SaveOnEnergy.com. https://www.saveonenergy.com/resources/energy-efficiency- appliances/

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