Written by Adrienne Day; Illustration by Traci Hafner
To dig into renewable energy and energy efficiency in your home, read the article that accompanied this infographic.
Transcript: Energy Efficiency Starts at Home – Alexis Abramson, Introductory Dean of Climate Schools
Written by Adrienne Day; Illustration by Traci Hafner
Q&A with Dean Alexis Abramson
Before Alexis Abramson served as dean of the Columbia Climate School, she was an energy efficiency expert who specialized in upgrading and transformation.
Columbia Climate School Dean Alexis Abramson shares her tips on how to reduce energy bills and carbon footprint.
did you know?
Renewable energy represents a huge economic opportunity in the world. Experts believe it will create at least 14 million new jobs by 2030. The global renewable energy value is US$1.21 trillion in 2023, and it is expected to grow by 17.2% annually from 2024 to 2030.
Renewable energy home solutions
Solar energy
Solar energy can cut your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint while keeping you from increasing utility costs. “Solar panels are almost always worth the investment,” Abramson said. “If I could pay to put solar on the roof, it would be free for me and most homes have a return on investment in less than 12 years.”
Wind power
If you live in an area that is always windy, a residential wind turbine may be the ideal energy solution for some homeowners. If turbines are used in conjunction with solar panels and battery storage, wind energy may be part of a more resilient and sustainable home energy system.
insulation
Insulated homes are one of the most effective and easiest ways to reduce energy bills while also reducing carbon footprint. “In most parts of the country, the biggest cost of energy is heating,” Abramson said. “But something as simple as going to a hardware store, getting some pink insulation and pushing it to the loft and crawling space can make a big difference.”
Battery storage
A home battery storage system integrates with the grid and/or your solar panels to help eliminate power fluctuations by storing excess energy generated during sunny days and then releasing it when solar power is low, such as on night or night or cloudy days. Batteries can provide emergency power during power outages and help cut energy bills.
Heat pump
Heat pumps will cut your home company2 Emissions increase by 40% or more compared to natural gas, and in many parts of the country you can save over $1,000 in heating costs per year. “Even in cold weather, heat pumps will work, and manufacturers are getting better and better at designing these systems, so they become more and more efficient over time,” Abramson said.
Hydropower
Hydropower is the world’s largest source of renewable energy, accounting for 40% of the total capacity – solar (28%) and wind (27%). “Houses can leverage it through small power generation units to generate electricity from nearby water. These systems are perfect for rural homes with consistent water flow,” Abramson said. “Otherwise, it’s not usually cost-effective. However, this makes sense on a larger scale.”
Geothermal energy
A U.S. Department of Energy study found that geothermal heat pumps (which heat the earth as a heat source and radiator by transferring heat to the ground through underground pipes, heater heating) are environmentally friendly and energy-efficient alternatives that can be used for traditional heating and cooling. The study found that batch deployment and improvements in insulation can reduce carbon emissions by more than 700 million tons by 2050.
Cut carbon footprint at home
Are you not planning to renovate your house? Here are some simple ways to reduce energy consumption.
cold water
Heated water consumes 90% of the energy required to operate the washing machine. By washing clothes in cold water, you can cut 864 pounds of CO2 Emissions are only one year.
pull
Not only to protect your home from fire or water damage, but also to protect energy. Even if the device is not actively used, it still uses power, which means higher energy costs.
Thermostat
On weekdays, you can return the thermostat to 7 to 10 degrees, saving up to 10% of your bills each year. The smart thermostat automatically adjusts the heating and cooling temperature settings for optimal performance and energy savings.
light
The United States has phased out the sale of incandescent bulbs in 2023, making room for LEDs. LEDs use at least 75% of their energy, up to 25 times longer than incandescent lamps.
cooking
Induction equipment that uses electromagnets to heat cookers is three times more efficient than gas furnaces and is 10% more efficient. Switching to an inductive furnace can also reduce indoor nitrogen dioxide air pollution by more than 50%.
Electrical appliances
Energy-saving equipment not only uses less energy, but also wastes less energy and uses less resources. Over the lifetime of a refrigerator, an energy-star certified refrigerator can reduce its carbon footprint by 4,000 pounds.
Air filter
Dirty HVAC filters will slow down air flow, making the system work harder to keep you warm or cool. A new filter uses about 15% less energy than a clogged air filter.
