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Save Energy At Home{{/B}} On the average, Americans waste as much energy as two-thirds of the world's population consumes. That's largely the {{U}}(51) {{/U}} of driving inefficient cars, using inefficient appliances (设备), and living and working in poorly insulated (隔热) buildings. Then what can you do to {{U}}(52) {{/U}} the situation? Buy energy-efficient products -- Buy new appliances or electronics of the highest energy-efficiency rating. New energy-efficient models may cost more initially, but have a lower operating {{U}}(53) {{/U}} over their lifetimes. The most energy-efficient models {{U}}(54) {{/U}} the Energy Star label, which identifies products {{U}}(55) {{/U}} use 20-40 percent less energy than standard new products. According to the EPA (美国环境保护署), the typical American household can save about $400 per year in {{U}}(56) {{/U}} bills with products that carry the Energy Star. Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs (荧光灯) -- Change the three bulbs you use {{U}}(57) {{/U}} in your house to compact fluorescents. Each compact fluorescent bulb will keep half a ton of CO2 out of the air {{U}}(58) {{/U}} its lifetime. {{U}}(59) {{/U}}, compact fluorescent bulbs last ten times as long and can save $30 per year in electricity costs. Set heating and cooling temperatures correctly -- Check thermostats (温度自调节器) in your home to make sure they are {{U}}(60) {{/U}} at a level that doesn't waste energy. Turn off the lights -- Turn off lights and other electrical appliances such as televisions and radios when you're not {{U}}(61) {{/U}} them. Install automatic timers for lights that people in your house frequently {{U}}(62) {{/U}} to turn them off when leaving a room. Let the sun shine in -- The cheapest and most energy-efficient light and heat source is often right outside your window. On {{U}}(63) {{/U}} days, open blinds (百叶窗) to let the sun light your home for free. Also remember that {{U}}(64) {{/U}} entering a room equals passive solar heating. Even on cold winter days, sun streaming into a room can raise the temperature by several {{U}}(65) {{/U}}. |