{{B}}Save Energy at
Home{{/B}} On the average, Americans waste as much energy as
two-thirds of the world's population consumes. That's{{U}} (1)
{{/U}}the result of driving inefficient cars, using inefficient appliances, and
living and working in poorly insulated buildings. Then what can you do to
improve the{{U}} (2) {{/U}}? 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}} (3) {{/U}}over their lifetimes. The most
energy-efficient models{{U}} (4) {{/U}}the Energy Star label, which
identifies products that use 20-40 per cent less energy than standard new
products. According to the EPA, the typical American household can save about
$-400 per year in{{U}} (5) {{/U}}bills with products that carry the
Energy Star. Switch to compact fluorescent bulbs. —Change the
three bulbs you use{{U}} (6) {{/U}}in your house to compact
fluorescents. Each compact fluorescent bulb will keep half a ton of carbon
dioxide out of the air over its lifetime.{{U}} (7) {{/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 in your home to make sure they are{{U}} (8)
{{/U}}at a level that doesn't waste energy. Get an electronic thermostat
that will allow your furnace to heat the house to a lower temperature when
you're sleeping and retum it to a more{{U}} (9) {{/U}}temperature before
you wake up. Turn off the lights.—{{U}} (10)
{{/U}}lights and other electrical appliances such as televisions and radios when
you're not using them. Install automatic timers for lights that people in your
house frequently forget to turn them off when{{U}} (11) {{/U}}a
room. Choose renewable energy.—Many consumers can now choose
their energy supplier. If you have a choice, choose an electric utility that
uses renewable power{{U}} (12) {{/U}}, such as solar, water or
wind. Let the sun shine In.—The cheapest and most
energy—efficient light and heat source is often right outside your windows.
On{{U}} (13) {{/U}}days, open blinds to let the sun light your home
for free. Also remember that{{U}} (14) {{/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}} (15) {{/U}}.
dioxide n. 二氧化物 insulate adj.隔热 thermostat
n.温度自动调节 rating n.等级级别 timer n.定时器
fluorescent adj.荧光的 blind n.百叶