Part 1: Zap Electricity ConsumptionPart 1: Zap Electricity Consumption

Become an Energy Super Hero!

Workshop OutlineWorkshop Outline

Introductions

Presentation and Discussion

Overview of Efficiency Nova Scotia Programs

Energy Tools – Available at Your Library!

Energy Exploration

Discussion/Opportunities for your place

Workshop Evaluation

Presentation OutlinePresentation Outline

1. Improving building envelope and reducing drafts2. Efficiency heating and cooling3. Reducing lighting and water use4. Using appliances efficiently

Energy Saving Energy Saving ActionsActions

One-time changes

Example: changing a light bulb, motor or appliance to be more efficient.

Repetitive practice

Example: turning off equipment to conserve energy.

Improving Building EnvelopeImproving Building Envelope

BUILDING ENVELOPE : the exterior of your building that protects the interior from the elements. This includes the walls, roof and windows. Air leakage in the building envelope can be responsible for up to 45% of overall heat loss.

Identify and seal drafts Identify and seal drafts in windows, doors, electrical outlets, light switches, on exterior

walls, pipe entry points, etc...

Improving the building envelopeImproving the building envelope

Other places to look for drafts:

1.Chimneys2.Ceiling fans and light fixtures3.Pipes and plumbing entering into walls4.Attic hatches5.Cable and telephone jacks/wiring6.Air vents7.Baseboards

• Caulk your windows, weatherproof your doors

Seal the drafts with caulking and weatherproofing. Winterize windows with shrink-able insulation film or

magnetic windows.

• Seal up electrical outlets on exterior walls

Image of switching adding a foam gasket to an electrical outlet.

Seal outlets and light switches with caulking and foam gaskets. Plug outlets with safety covers.

With some simple adjustments and some changes in practices you can increase the efficiency of your heating and cooling system by 5% to 40%.

Efficient Heating and Cooling

Image of removing filter from the EAC heater

Efficient Heating and CoolingEfficient Heating and Cooling

Clean the filter of your heating and ventilation system regularly.

Install programmable thermostats and program them to suitable temperatures for the seasons.

Efficient Heating and CoolingEfficient Heating and Cooling

Dress for the weather. Consider keeping extra sweaters around for the winter.

Image courtesy of remind/stockxchang.vf Efficient Heating and CoolingEfficient Heating and Cooling

Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici/FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Close the curtains when it’s hot and sunny, open them when it’s cold and sunny.

Efficient Heating and CoolingEfficient Heating and Cooling

Open windows and use fans in the summer to circulate air instead of using an air conditioner.

Efficient Heating and CoolingEfficient Heating and Cooling

Improving lighting and water use

Lighting accounts for about 11% of electricity use in Canadian homes.

Make it easier to use fewer lights. Use task lighting and natural lighting.

Improving Lighting and Water UseImproving Lighting and Water Use

Change your light bulbs to LED

Improving Lighting and Water UseImproving Lighting and Water Use

Keep your water heater at 54°C (below could

increase bacteria growth, above is inefficient). Get a

professional to do this.

Install low-flow and cut-off showerheads and faucet aerators.

Improving Lighting and Water UseImproving Lighting and Water Use

Install a hot water tank blanket and pipe insulation on

the hot water pipes.

Improving Lighting and Water UseImproving Lighting and Water Use

Install low-flow and cut-off

showerheads and faucet aerators.

Improving Lighting and Water UseImproving Lighting and Water Use

Place a bottle filled with water or a toilet tank bank or dam in the tank of your toilet.

Improving Lighting and Water UseImproving Lighting and Water Use

Appliances and Equipment

PHANTOM LOAD: The energy an appliance uses when it is “off”. Many appliances are using electricity even when they are turned off.

Measure the Power Usage of your appliance – measure the difference between on and off.

Appliances and EquipmentAppliances and Equipment

What is a kWh ?kWh = kilowatt-hour.

One kWh is the amount of energy it takes to run a 1000 Watt electric kettle for one hour.

Supplying one kWh of electricity in Nova Scotia causes about 800 grams of carbon dioxide emissions to the atmosphere, and costs us about $0.15 on our electric bill, all charges and taxes included

How are Amps, Volts and Watts related ?

Amps (A) = electric current (flow of electrons).

Volts (V) = electromotive force (like pressure)

Watts (W) = power (energy per second)

Watts = Amps x Volts

Energy (kWh) = Watts x Time

How to calculate savings?

Energy (kWh) = (Watts x Hours)/1000

Cost ($) = kWh * $/kWh

Example: 50 W on 24/7

How to calculate savings?

Energy (kWh) = (Watts x Hours)/1000

Cost ($) = kWh * $/kWh

Example: 50 W on 24/7

50 W * 8760 h / 1000 W/kW

= 438 kWh * 0.15 $/kWh

= $65.70 per year

Use a power bar to turn off equipment that is not in use.

Reducing Phantom LoadReducing Phantom LoadAppliances and EquipmentAppliances and Equipment

Refrigerator checklist:

Is it older than ten years old? Do you need this one on all

year? Check for leaks around the

door. Clean the condenser coils. Give fridge 2-3 inches space

on top, sides and behind Keep it well-stocked but not

too full. Turn off the ice-maker

Reducing Phantom LoadReducing Phantom LoadAppliances and EquipmentAppliances and Equipment

Computer checklist

Reducing Phantom LoadReducing Phantom Load

Use energy saver settings. Do not use screen savers Use sleep state if you

leave for less than 30 min. Power down if you leave

for more than 30 minutes. Use an LCD screen. Connect devices to a

power bar to turn off. A laptop uses less energy

than a desktop.

Appliances and EquipmentAppliances and Equipment

Engage with the other people you live with! Remind others and yourself how to save energy with stickers and friendly nudges.

Have an energy-saving contest!

Thanks to:

Image credits:•EAC Volunteer Sara Jellicoe for the audit photos •Juliaf on stockxchg (background image)•Remind on stockxchang.vf (clothing image)•David Castillo Dominici on FreeDigitalPhotos.net (curtain image)•Njaj on freedigitalphotos.net (building envelope)

Efficiency Nova ScotiaHalifax Libraries