Written by Adrienne Day; Illustrated by Traci Hafner
Questions and Answers with Dean Alexis Abramson
Before Alexis Abramson was Dean of Columbia’s climate school, he was an expert in energy efficiency, specialized in improvement and modifications buildings.
The dean of the Climate School of Columbia, Alexis Abramson, shares his advice on how to reduce his energy bills and his carbon footprint.
Did you know?
Renewable energy represents a great economic opportunity for the world. Experts believe it will create at least 14 million new jobs by 2030. In 2023, Renewable energy worldwide It was worth $ 1.21 billion, and it is projected to grow by 17.2% per year from 2024 to 2030.
Solutions for renewable energy home
Solar energy
Going Solar can reduce its energy invoices and reduce its carbon footprint, while insulation of increasing public services costs. “Solar panels almost always are worth the investment,” says Abramson. “If I can pay in advance to put solar on my roof, that electricity is essentially free for me and the recovery time It is less than 12 years for most homes. “
Wind energy
If you live in a consistently windy region, a residential wind turbine could be an ideal energy solution for some owners. If a turbine is combined with solar panels and battery storage, wind energy can be part of a more resistant and sustainable domestic energy system.
ISOLATION
Isolating a house is one of the most effective and simple forms to reduce energy invoices while reducing its carbon footprint. “The highest energy cost in most parts of the country is heating,” says Abramson. “But something as simple as going to a hardware store, getting some pink insulation and shooting it in attic and tracking spaces can make a big difference.”
Battery storage
Home battery storage systems are integrated with the electricity grid and/or its solar panels, which helps to soften the power fluctuations storing the excess energy generated during the sunny days and then releasing it when the solar generation is low, as during the night or murky days. The batteries can provide emergency electricity during a blackout and help reduce their energy invoices.
Heat pumps
A heat bomb will cut your home co2 emissions in about 40% compared to gas, and in many parts of the country, could save More than $ 1,000 per year in your heating invoices. “A heat pump will work even in a very cold climate,” says Abramson, and “manufacturers are improving a lot in the design of these systems, so they are becoming increasingly efficient over time.”
Hydroelectric
Hydroelectricity is the largest renewable energy source in the world, which represents 40%of the total capacity, the passage of solar energy (28%) and the wind (27%). “Residential houses can take advantage of it through small -scale energy generation units, which generate electricity from nearby fluid water. These systems are ideal for rural homes with a constant water flow,” says Abramson. “Otherwise, it is generally not profitable. But it makes sense on a larger scale.”
Geothermal energy
A study of the United States Energy Department found that geothermal heat pumps, which work by transferring heat to and from the ground through underground pipes, using the earth as a source of heat and heat dissipator, are an environmentally efficient and efficient alternative in energy to conventional heating and cooling. The study found that the display of mass, together with the insulation improvements, It could reduce more than 7,000 million metric tons carbon emissions until 2050.
Cut your carbon footprint at home
Are you not ready to modernize your home? Here are some easy ways to reduce their energy consumption.
COLD WATER
Heating water consumes about 90% of the energy needed to operate a washing machine. Washing clothes in cold water, You could cut 864 pounds of co2 emissions In just one year.
UNPLUG
Not only to protect your home from fire or water damage, but to preserve energy. Even when a device is not actively used, it still uses energy, which means greater energy invoices.
THERMOSTAT
You can save up to 10% a year in invoices by returning your thermostat 7 to 10 degrees During the working day. Intelligent thermostat automatically adjusts the configuration of the heating and cooling temperature for optimal performance and energy saving.
LIGHTNING
The United States eliminated the sale of incandescent bulbs in 2023, giving way to LEDs. LEDs use at least 75% less energy and last up to 25 times Longer than incandescent lighting.
COOKING
Induction devices, which use electromagnets to heat the kitchen utensils, are up to three times more efficient than gas stoves, and up to 10% more efficient than conventional electrical ranges. Changing to an electrical induction stove can also reduce the air contamination of interior nitrogen dioxide by more than 50%.
ACCESSORIES
Energy efficiency appliances not only use less energy but also waste less energy and use less resources. A stars certified energy refrigerator can reduce its carbon footprint 4,000 pounds of CO2 About the refrigerator life.
Air filters
A dirty HVAC filter will slow down the air flow and make the system work harder to keep it hot or cool. A new filter uses around 15% less energy than an obstructed air filter.
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