Taking stock reveals the high impact electricity uses in our homes: cooling and heating the house, water heating, and lighting. Some methods to reduce electricity use require only our will. They can be done relatively quickly, like changing a thermostat setting. Other methods require time and money, such as installing insulation or replacing cooling and heating units. Both ways depend on our desire and willingness to make personal, short-term sacrifices for the long-term benefit of future generations and all life on this planet. Texans of faith draw on their religious teachings and spiritual practices for guidance, strength, and encouragement in finding the desire and will to changes our lifestyle.
This week spend time reflecting on how your religious teaching and practices may help you change your lifestyle to use electricity more sustainably. The following resources may help you reflect on what you’re willing to do.
Home Cooling and Heating
Weatherizing decreases the loss of cooled or heated air by air sealing, insulation, moisture control, or ventilation. The Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs provides home weatherization tips. If cost is an issue, weatherization assistance is available for low income homeowners. After going to the website, select "Weatherization" under "Home Expenses;" then, scroll to the bottom of the page and enter your city or county. The U.S. Department of Energy has tips and recommendations for reducing the electricity used by home cooling systems and home heating systems. In addition to certifying appliances, the Energy Star program also has tips for cooling and heating your home efficiently. Home Energy Audits find the problem areas that reduce heating and cooling efficiency. Professional audits use special tools to help the assessment; however, do-it-yourself energy audits also provide helpful information.
Water Heating
Measures that reduce the amount of hot water used have the double benefit of also saving water. This saves even more electricity, because 3.2 kWh of electricity is used to treat every thousand gallons of water used by a household. When replacing the hot water heater, select an Energy Star certified heater. To save even more electricity, replace the conventional water heater with a more efficient type of hot water heater.
Lighting
Get started with these 10 Bright Ideas for reducing electricity used by home lighting. The U.S. Green Building Council recommends looking at both bulbs and controls to reduce electricity use. There are several lighting choices that save electricity. When buying bulbs, it’s important to learn the terms and choose the most efficient bulb for application. Advanced lighting controls further reduce the electricity used.