What’s Your Energy Efficiency IQ?

1. What should you do with ceiling fans when you leave home to save energy?

• Change the directions of the blades
• Turn the fans off
• Lower the fans’ speed setting
• Increase the fans’ speed setting

Correct!Incorrect! Ceiling fans cool people rather than lower temperatures by creating a wind chill effect. Leaving fans on while you’re not home wastes energy without helping to cool your home.

2. What percentage of your energy use is from heating water in your home?

• 8%
• 18%
• 28%
• 38%

Correct!Incorrect! Water heating accounts for about 18% of the energy consumed in your house, on average. Setting your water heater at no higher than 120⁰F helps to conserve energy and save money.

3. When should you service your air conditioner?

• Never
• Monthly
• Bi-annually
• Annually

Correct!Incorrect! Cleaning and servicing air filters before the warmer season each year can help lower your system’s energy consumption by up to 15%. (Be sure to check your air conditioner’s evaporator coil, too.)

4. How can you keep unwanted, warmer air from sneaking into your home?

• Seal window cracks
• Add caulk to windows and doors
• Add weatherstripping to windows and doors
• All of the above

Correct!Incorrect! Unsealed windows and doors account for heat gain and loss during warmer months. Check your windows and doors for air leaks and ensure you have windows that are adjusted for your climate.

5. What is one of the most energy-efficient ways to dry your clothes during the warmer seasons?

• Use a lower dryer setting
• Dry your clothes with a hairdryer
• Dry your clothes outside
• Use a small space heater

Correct!Incorrect! The sun is naturally drying and doesn’t require energy.

6. What should you avoid doing the first time you turn on your air conditioner in the spring?

• Set it to the same temperature as outside
• Turn it to an automatic setting
• Wait patiently as your home cools
• Set it to a colder setting than what is typical for your home

Correct!Incorrect! Setting your thermostat to a colder temperature than what is typical for your home could result in excessive cooling and expenses. Your air conditioner will not run any faster at a cooler setting, so try to be patient as your home cools.