Page 198 - Alternative Energy Systems in Building Design

174 ENERGY CONSERVATION

reducing the energy used to provide lighting is to invest in compact fluorescent lights,
as opposed to traditional incandescent lights. Compact fluorescent lights use approxi-
mately 75 percent less energy than typical incandescent lights. A 15-W compact fluo-
rescent light will supply the same amount of light as a 60-W incandescent light while
using only 25 percent of the energy that a 60-W incandescent light would require.
Compact fluorescent lights also last significantly longer than incandescent lights, with
an expected lifetime of 10,000 hours on most models. Most compact fluorescent lights
also come with a 1-year warranty.
Another option for saving money and energy related to lighting is to use torchieres.
In recent years, halogen torchieres have become relatively popular. However, they
create extremely high levels of heat; approximately 90 percent of the energy used by
a halogen lamp is emitted as heat, not light. Some halogen lamps generate enough heat
to fry an egg on the top of the lamp. These lamps create a fire hazard owing to the
possibility of curtains touching the lamp and igniting or a lamp falling over and igniting
carpet. Great alternatives to these types of lamps are compact fluorescent torchieres.
Whereas a halogen torchiere used 4 hours per day will consume approximately
438 kWh in a year, a compact fluorescent torchiere used 4 hours per day will only
consume 80 kWh in a year. If you currently pay $0.11 per kilowatthour, this would
save you over $30 per year just by changing one lamp.

APPLIANCES
There are many appliances used in buildings that require a significant amount of energy
to operate. However, most of these appliances are available in highly efficient models.

Refrigerators Conventional refrigerators are a major consumer of energy. It is pos-
sible to make a refrigerator more effective and efficient by keeping it full. In the event
a refrigerator is not fully stocked with food, one should consider keeping jugs of water
in it. When a refrigerator is full, the contents will retain the cold. If a refrigerator is
old, then consideration should be given to investing in a new, highly efficient star-rated
model. There are refrigerators on the market that use less than 20 kWh per month.
When you compare this with the 110 kWh used per month by conventional refrigera-
tors, you can save over $90 per year (based on $0.11/kWh).

Clothes washers Washing machines are a large consumer of not only electricity
but also water. By using a horizontal-axis washing machine, also known as a front
loader because the door is on the front of the machine, it is possible to save money by
using less electricity, water, and detergent.
Front loaders have a more efficient spin cycle than top loaders, which further
increases savings owing to clothes requiring less time in the dryer. These are the types
of machines typically found in laundromats. The machines are more cost-effective
than conventional top loaders. Another option is to use a natural gas or propane washer
and dryer, which are currently more cost-effective than using electric models. If you
are on a solar or wind energy system, gas and propane are options that will reduce the
overall electricity usage of your home.