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Student Handout #1
Home Energy Audit Parent Letter
Dear Parents and Guardians,
In our class, we have been discussing how our energy consumption produces
greenhouse gases. Greenhouse gases trap heat within the atmosphere
that can lead to climate change and have a significant affect on all
forms of life. While warmer temperatures may seem appealing, they can
have negative effects such as severe weather, coastal and river flooding,
melting of permafrost, and drought. Animal habitats are also affected
by the climate changes that are occurring.
The students have been asked to complete an energy audit to determine
areas of energy use and conservation within the home. Please help your
child to complete this audit and return it to school by ____________________________________.
We encourage you to discuss energy use in your home and to talk about
how different energy saving devices work. Please feel free to add other
ways that your family conserves energy. If you are interested in learning
more about greenhouse gases and their effects on our environment, here
are some good resources:
http://www.climatechange.gc.ca/
http://www.globe.gov/
http://www.coolclimate.org/
http://www.epa.gov/globalwarming/kids/index.html/
Student Handout #2
Home Energy Audit
Name: _________________________________
Date: __________________________________
| Questions |
Always/Mostly |
Sometimes/Usually |
Never/Rarely |
| We use fluorescent light bulbs. |
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| We turn off the lights when we leave a room. |
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| We turn off computers, televisions, radios, games, etc… when
they are not being used. |
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| We turn the surge protector off when the computer is not in use. |
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| We use rechargeable batteries. |
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| We turn down the thermostat at night or when we are not at home. |
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| We use the curtains to control the room temperature. |
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| We use energy-saving settings on our refrigerator, dishwasher,
washing machine and clothes dryer. |
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| We have energy saving appliances (dryers, etc…) |
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| When possible we hang clothes to dry. |
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| We run appliances only when they are full. |
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| We use manual appliances rather than all electric (e.g. push mower,
cheese graters, can opener) |
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| We use a microwave or toaster oven for cooking small amounts. |
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| Our water heater temperature is set low (close to 120F) |
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| The water heater has an insulating blanket. |
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| We have a low-flow showerhead. |
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| We take short rather than long showers. |
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| We have faucet aerators. |
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| The faucets are in working order (no drips or leaks). |
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| We have insulated hot water pipes and ducts. |
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| Our windows and doors are well sealed. |
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| We have good insulation in the attic. |
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| The fireplace damper is closed when there isn’t a fire going. |
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| We maintain the furnace on a regular basis. |
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Please add other ways that your family conserves energy at home:
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