Save Energy at Home
On the average, Americans waste as much energy as two-thirds of the world’s population consumes. That’s (1) the result of driving inefficient cars, using inefficient appliances, and living and working in poorly insulated buildings. Then what can you do to improve the (2)
Buy energy-efficient products.—Buy new appliances or electronics of the highest energy efficiency rating. New energy efficient models may cost more initially, but have a lower operating (3) over their lifetimes. The most energy-efficient models (4) the Energy Star label, which identifies products that use 20-40 per cent less energy than standard new products. According to the EPA, the typical American household can save about $-400 per year in (5) bills with products that carry the Energy Star.
Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs. —Change the three bulbs you use (6) in your house to compact fluorescents. Each compact fluorescent bulb will keep half a ton of carbon dioxide out of the air over its lifetime. (7) , compact fluorescent bulbs last ten times as long and can save $-30 per year in electricity costs.
Set heating and cooling temperatures correctly.—Check thermostats in your home to make sure they are (8) at a level that doesn’t waste energy. Get an electronic thermostat that will allow your furnace to heat the house to a lower temperature when you’re sleeping and retum it to a more (9) temperature before you wake up.
Turn off the lights.— (10) lights and other electrical appliances such as televisions and radios when you’re not using them. Install automatic timers for lights that people in your house frequently forget to turn them off when (11) a room.
Choose renewable energy.—Many consumers can now choose their energy supplier. If you have a choice, choose an electric utility that uses renewable power (12) , such as solar, water or wind.
Let the sun shine In.—The cheapest and most energy—efficient light and heat source is often right outside your windows. On (13) days, open blinds to let the sun light your home for free. Also remember that (14) entering a room equals passive solar heating. Even on cold winter days, sun streaming into a room can raise the temperature by several (15) .
dioxide n. 二氧化物
insulate adj.隔热
thermostat n.温度自动调节
rating n.等级级别
timer n.定时器
fluorescent adj.荧光的
blind n.百叶