Newfane Conservation Commission

Newfane, Vermont

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RESOURCES CONSULTED

Ellis Jones et al., The Better World Handbook (Gabriola Isl., British
Columbia, 2007).
Greg Pahl, The Citizen-Powered Energy Handbook (White River Junction,
Vermont, 2007).
Jerry Germer, Quick Guide: Insulation and Ventilation (Upper Saddle
River, NJ, 1995).
Boston Globe Magazine, “It’s a Green Green World”, 11/18/07
Association for the Study of Peak Oil & Gas, www.vtpeakoil.net/
Earth911, http://earth911.org/
Efficiency Vermont, www.efficiencyvermont.com/pages/
Organic Gardening Magazine, www.organicgardening.com/
Gardens Alive! www.gardensalive.com
United States Department of Energy, www.eere.energy.gov/
United States EPA, http://epa.gov/watersense/tips/cons.htm
United States EPA, www.energystar.gov
Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, www.anr.state.vt.us/
Robert Waldrop, http://www.energyconservationinfo.org
Wisconsin Energy Conservation Corp., www.weccusa.org/consumer_info
The Wood Heat Organization,
http://www.woodheat.org/firewood/firewood.htm

Energy Conservation

                  HEATING SYSTEMS

     Using efficient heating systems saves money and energy. High efficiency furnaces have an annual fuel utilization efficiency (AFUE) rating of 90% or higher as opposed to the minimum standard of 78% efficiency. For heat pumps, a heating season performance factor (HSPF) rating of 7.5 or better is considered high efficiency.
     When buying an electric water heater, look for energy-efficient models with an energy factor (EF ) rating of at least 0.96. Tankless on-demand water heaters, which use less energy than standard models, are also available.
     If you have an older model water heater, consider getting a insulating blanket/jacket for it, which can pay for itself in energy savings in one year.
     The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) puts Energy Star symbols on energy-saving products. EPA’s website (www.energystar.gov) rates appliances, furnaces, air conditioners, and other energy-using products.

                          WINDOWS AND DOORS

     Only 20% of homes built before 1980 are well-insulated.   Insulating your home saves money on fuel and helps make you more comfortable indoors in winter and summer. To get the greatest benefit from your insulating project, prioritize your insulating needs by first addressing the areas that cause the greatest loss of heat.
     Windows and doors are often a key area of concern. Many old windows lose heat through cracks around the sash. Old windows with single-sheet glazing lose a great deal of heat through conduction.
Similarly, a door that is not weather-tight can be a significant source of heat loss. What can a homeowner do?
     Cracks around the stationary parts of windows can be caulked with a flexible caulk. Double-hung and sliding windows may need weatherstripping around jambs, sills, and meeting rails. Replacing old single-pane windows with energy-efficient models can save money on your heating bills.   Installing insulating window shades on drafty windows will help save heating costs.
     A good way to insulate your door is to use quality weatherstripping which contains insulation encased in a rigid vinyl, wood or aluminum strip. A door sweep can be attached on the inside of a door so that it fits snugly to the threshold when the door is closed. You will appreciate the loss of that terrible draft when the thermometer hits ten degrees!

                                APPLIANCES

     If you are thinking about getting a dishwasher, consider this: a dishwasher actually uses less water than washing dishes by hand. Look for efficient dishwashers which have lower levels of water
usage. Most models use between 8 and 14 gallons of water for each load.
     Front-loading washing machines use 30-60% less water and 50-70% less energy than top-loading models.
     Plug home electronics into power strips and turn the power strips off when the equipment is not being used. TVs, computers and DVDs in standby mode still use a significant amount of electricity.
     A refrigerator with automatic moisture control saves energy. Do not keep your refrigerator or freezer too cold. Temperatures of 37 to 40 degrees F. are recommended for fresh food areas; zero degrees
F. for freezers.

                     WOOD HEAT

     Wood heat benefits the environment by making use of a renewable fuel. It helps reduce the air pollution that can be caused by other fuels. Because the money spent for wood often goes to neighbors who are loggers, foresters and landowners, the use of wood supports our local economy. Furthermore, the work involved in handling the wood is good, healthy exercise.
     In general, it is more important to have wood that is cut and split to the right size and properly dried than it is to get the hardest wood available. The energy content in a full cord of dried wood ranges from 32 million BTUs for rock elm to 15 million for balsam fir. Pine and fir is not preferred for wood heat because its resinous nature may be bad for your chimney.

                        RECYCLING

     Here are a few suggestions about ways to recycle. Use old plastic bags for packaging and liners for waste bins. Use old envelopes for making shopping lists or To Do lists. Use layered newspapers underground in the garden to prevent weeds. Use egg cartons to start seedlings. Use old stockings to tie up plants in the garden. Use parts of greeting cards for new creations. Reuse giftwrap. Use plastic meat trays for paint trays. Use tin pie plates to catch water from potted plants. Use a non-profit agency for disposing of old clothes, and, finally, use your right as a concerned citizen to write manufacturers about excess packaging.

Trees and stones will teach you