Home Energy Efficiency and the NELC

Anthony Magliozzi

A little about myself!Worked with Penn State and EPA to create

own business designing less expensive, sustainable greenhouses in East Africa, now in eight countries

Vice President of Penn State Microfinance Initiative

Learning OutcomesAn understanding of energy efficiencySimple suggestions to save your wallet and

the environmentWhy an energy audit makes senseThe NELC and its purposeSigning up for an audit and expectations

Electric Bills in the United States

eia.gov

What could you spend the savings on?

• Let’s estimate 25% savings using 2012 numbers:• $107.28 * 0.25 = $26.82/month• $26.82 * 12 months = $321.84/year

1288 gumballs!!!

Where do we use energy in our homes?

What is energy efficiency?Energy efficiency is the ratio between the

useful output of an energy conversion machine and the input, in energy terms. The useful output may be electric power, mechanical work, or heat.

Our definition? Using less energy to provide the same service.

Fact: 100 million homes, or 80% of US houses, are built with no regard to energy efficiency!

Examples of Energy Efficiency

http://www.designrecycleinc.com/led%20comp%20chart.html

LED Lightbulbs

Examples of Energy Efficiency

Sealing windows

Examples of Energy Efficiency

Insulation

***Although most homes are insulated, 90% of homes should have more.

Examples of Energy Efficiency

NIST Programmable Thermostats

Examples of Energy Efficiency

*4-5 actions = noticeable drops in utility bills

Energy Incentives in PANIST Thermostats being given away in some

places

Which refrigerator uses more energy?

2005 Kenmore minifridge

2014 full-size

Kenmore fridge

The 2005 Kenmore

minifridge uses double the amount of energy as

the new 2014

Kenmore model.

How can I become more energy efficient?Find places in your home where energy is being

used unnecessarilyExamples: Overloaded power cords, plugged in

appliances which are rarely used, poorly ventilated units such as your AC unit outside

Practice energy efficient practicesClosing shades during the day in the summertime to

keep the home cool. Using EnergyStar servicesWatt Meters at the Pattee/Paterno Library on

campus!Get a home energy audit!

Top Five Suggestions made to Homeowners:1. Adding insulating to pipes and attic*2. Sealing windows and doors*3. Energy efficient appliances*4. Replacing an old, inefficient furnace or

heating/cooling system5. Replacing thermostats with programmable

models*

*Do it yourself projects

What is a home energy audit? Why a home energy audit?Assess how much energy your home

usesRecommended improvements that

will help you save your bottom line! Health and Safety top priority during

audits“Seal it tight, ventilate right!”

The NELC is a Penn State initiative devoted to promoting energy independence through student engagement in the local community

The NELC gives free home energy audits to many communities in Pittsburgh, State College, and Philadelphia.

Why are the energy audits free? Training for Penn State students, producing more

effective, efficient energy audits, research on the energy market

NELC youtube video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF7s_XQ9su8

The NELC’s Past ExperienceFrom small houses to large houses100+ energy audits have been done in 18

months!

Our Reports

Signing up for a free home energy audit is simple!

1. Go to sustainability.psu.edu/nelc

2. Click “Request a FREE Home Energy Audit!” on the right side.

3. Fill out a small questionnaire to give us more information about your concerns!

Why is the audit free?Students get experienceHomeowners get valuable adviceNot as detailed as professional audit

Example QuestionsWhat is your house’s primary energy source?

(Electric, Fuel Oil, natural gas, etc…)What year was the house built?Is it a single family house?Are there any questions or concerns you have

about your home?

NELC is looking to expand to other Penn State campuses!About the class Contact Dr. Dave Riley at

driley@engr.psu.edu