The+Economic+Realities+of+Energy+Efficieny+Improvements

If you buy the Energy Star unit and run it 12 hours per day for 6 months of the year then how long will it take to recover the $100 extra cost?
= What if you wanted to do something a little more radical? What if you wanted to transform the energy footprint of your entire family? Is it possible and at what cost? =

Group Assignment:

 * The scenario below is for a Delaware family that is ready to make major changes by reducing their energy footprint.
 * How affordable will it be for this family to change their energy footprint by switching to energy conserving options in their daily life?
 * Your group will investigate some areas where energy efficiency might be improved.
 * You will then determine to total cost of your groups "energy efficiency makeover."
 * ** Site your source information with URL web **** addresses **

Make-over Focus

 * **Compare the costs of energy efficient consumer products with their equivalent conventional choice.**
 * **Things to consider**
 * **What is the expected life-span of the product?**
 * **If the upfront costs are more expensive for the energy efficient alternative, how long will it take to recoup your investment?**
 * **Do the federal or state governments encourage adopting the more energy efficient choice with rebates, tax credits, or tax incentives?**

=Energy consuming Items currently used by a Delaware family:=

Housing-
The house is 2,400 square feet. It has 16 windows and 3 doors that are over 35 years old The attic (30 by 40 feet) has never been insulated The house is heated with an oil furnace and cooled with an electric central-air conditioner. Each runs 5 months a year Appliances (35 years old)
 * electric stove/oven
 * Currently do by hand but want a dishwasher
 * Conventional top loading electric clothes washer
 * Conventional top loading electric clothes dryer
 * Side-by-side refrigerator
 * 50 gallon electric hot water heater



Transportation-
The family has two parent who both work full time five days a week One parent commutes 12 miles each way to their job One parent commutes 16 miles each way to their job The family has two teenage students who each drive separately 8 miles each day to the same school Parent 1 drives a large car Parent 2 drives an large pick up truck Student 1 drives a small car Student 2 drives a mini-van

Possible Energy Efficiency Upgrades

 * Home improvements**
 * 1) Fluorescent Lighting and LED
 * 2) Home Insulation
 * 3) Windows and Doors
 * Home heating and cooling**
 * 1) geothermal heating and cooling
 * 2) biomass heating
 * Home electricity Supply**
 * 1) solar panels
 * 2) wind turbine
 * 3) hydroelectric
 * Home electricity/Hydrocarbon Use**
 * 1) Appliances- dish washer, refrigerator
 * 2) Appliances- clothes washer, clothes dryer
 * 3) Gas stove
 * 4) On Demand hot water heater
 * Transportation**
 * 1) hybid
 * 2) electric
 * 3) turbo diesel
 * 4) Hydrogen Fuel Cell

Table 1: comparing conventional vs energy efficient devices
media type="custom" key="13122276"