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e-Journal

Underground Homes (p. 414)


Step 1. Questions

Replacing an old refrigerator or air conditioner with a new one does not just save energy. In the long run, it can also save you money!

To compare and contrast appliances, you will research the energy efficiency and costs of different models. Here are some questions to guide your research:
  • What is the ENERGY STAR program?
  • How can the energy efficiencies of appliances be compared?
  • How can the time required to pay back the savings of an energy-efficient appliance be calculated?
  • Why is energy efficiency important?
Are you ready? Begin by visiting the Web sites listed in Step 2. Look for answers to the questions above. Write down what you learn in the note-taking boxes.

With teacher supervision, you may use search engines to find other Web sites. You also can research energy efficiency at the library. When you are ready, follow Steps 3 and 4 to write your report.


Step 2. Research

Research answers for the questions you were asked in Step 1. Visit these Web sites. Take notes about them on this page, too!


Toolbox Tip: Click here to learn how to print a Web page.


What is ENERGY STAR?
This Web page explains the U.S. government's ENERGY STAR program for rating high-efficiency appliances. For information on refrigerators, click REFRIGERATORS & FREEZERS on the left side of the page. For a list of specific refrigerator models and their ratings, click HTML under the menu "For Consumers, Product List" on the right side of the page. Return to the link above and repeat these steps for information on air conditioners, or ROOM AC.
Take Notes:



Green Ratings: Refrigerators
You can use this Web page to compare the energy costs of two refrigerators. This site is provided by Consumer Reports, a private non-profit group that tests consumer products. Write down the name of a model that is ENERGY STAR rated and one that is not. Also write down the energy cost per year of each model and the price of the ENERGY STAR rated model. Subtract the smaller energy cost per year from the larger cost to get the savings per year. Divide the price of the ENERGY STAR rated model by the savings per year. This is the number of years needed for the refrigerator to save as much as it costs.
Take Notes:



Green Ratings: Air Conditioners
You can use this Web page to calculate the time needed for a new air conditioner to save as much as it costs. Pick a 5,000 to 6,000 Btu/hr model that has an energy efficiency rating of 11 or higher. According to ENERGY STAR, replacing a 10-year-old air conditioner with a new ENERGY STAR model saves an average of $14 a year on your electric bill. Divide the price of the model you picked by $14. This is the number of years needed for the air conditioner to save as much as it costs. This Web site also is provided by Consumer Reports.
Take Notes:



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