Table of Contents
Acknowledgments
Introduction
CHAPTER 1: Energy Literacy
Primary Fuels
Measuring Energy
The Big Picture
Where Does Energy Come From?
Where Does the Energy Go?
Home Energy Matters
Comparing Fuel Energy and Costs
Increase Efficiency, Reduce Waste
How Heat Moves
Next Steps
CHAPTER 2: Electricity
Introduction to Using Electricity in Your Home
Terms
Awareness: The Big Picture
Where Does Electricity Go?
Powerful Impacts
Assessing Electric Use of Appliances
Electrical Energy Audit
Electrical Diet
Home Power Safety
CHAPTER 3: Appliance Energy Use
Power Use of Household Appliances
Common Electrical Appliances
Clothes Dryer Diet
Clothes Washer Diet
Dehumidifier Diet
Dishwasher Diet
Lighting Diet
Cooking Diet
Waterbed Diet
Refrigerator and Freezer Diet
CHAPTER 4: Hot Water
Introduction
Awareness: The Big Picture
Types of Water Heaters
Maintaining Your Water Heater
Water Heater Efficiency Measures
How to Choose a New Water Heater
Your Hot Water and Energy Consumption
Hot Water Diet
CHAPTER 5: Heating and Air Conditioning
Introduction
Awareness: The Big Picture
What Determines Home Heating Energy Consumption?
Types of Heating Systems
Efficiency Ratings for Heating Systems
Efficiency Improvements
Combustion Equipment and Fuel Safety
Buying New
Combustion Equipment Safety Diet
Heating Diet
Air Conditioning
Air Conditioning Diet
CHAPTER 6: The Envelope, Please
Introduction
Terms
Awareness
Assessment
Insulation
Windows
Air Leakage
Envelope Improvement Assessment
Air Leakage Diet
Air and Moisture Movement
Reducing Air and Moisture Movement
Relative Humidity and Moisture Control
Indoor Air Quality
Ventilation
Ice Dams and Icicles
Diet For a Warm, Dry, Healthy Envelope
How to Perform a Heat Load Calculation on Your Home
CHAPTER 7: Buying New Appliances
How to Buy A New Appliance
Checklist for Choosing a New Energy-Efficient Appliance
Financial Incentive
Off-Grid Economics
APPENDIX A: How Much Energy Do You Use?
APPENDIX B: Your Greenhouse Gas Profile
APPENDIX C: Appliance Use Chart
APPENDIX D: Heat-Load Calculations for Your House