d o e c e-0180- illinois smart energy design assistance center（d o e c e-0180 -伊利诺斯智能能量设计援助中心）.docVIP

DOE/CE-01802002Department of EnergyAssistant SecretaryEnergy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Introduction Electricity bills, oil bills, gas bills--all homeowners pay for one or more of these utilities, and wish they paid less. Often many of us do not really know how to control or reduce our utility bills. We resign ourselves to high bills because we think that is the price we have to pay for a comfortable home. We encourage our children to turn off the lights and appliances, but may not recognize the benefits of insulating the attic. Why Should You Insulate? Heating and cooling (space conditioning) account for 50 to 70% of the energy used in the average American home. About 20% goes for heating water. On the other hand, lighting and appliances and everything else account for only 10 to 30% of the energy used in most residences. It makes good sense to turn lights and appliances off when they are not needed, and youll save even more on your energy costs if your reduce the amount of energy needed for heating and cooling. Unless your home was constructed with special attention to energy efficiency, adding insulation will probably reduce your utility bills. Much of the existing housing stock in the United States is not insulated to the best level. Older homes are likely to use more energy than newer homes, leading to very high heating and air-conditioning bills. Even if you own a new home, adding insulation may save enough money in reduced utility bills to pay for itself within a few years, continue to save you money for as long as you own the home, and increase the resale value of your house. The Crucial Role of Thermal Insulation Inadequate insulation and air leakage are leading causes of energy waste in most homes. Insulation saves money and our nations limited energy resources. It can also make your house more comfortable by helping to maintain a uniform temperature throughout the house. Walls, ceilings, and floors will be warmer in the winter and co