1. What is Green Energy?

• Green Energy products are environmentally friendly goods and services that use less energy, such as Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment and computers, while also producing less pollution.

2. Do space heaters save energy?

• Space heaters use electrical resistance heating elements and, therefore, are expensive to operate, except in small locations for short durations.

3. Where are a building's major heating or cooling losses?

• Where there are air leaks such as; unsealed walls, wall outlets, duct systems, exterior windows and doors, exhaust vents and lighting fixtures.

4. How does a heat pump work?

• A heat pump is a machine that takes heat that naturally exists outside, even in the winter, and pumps it inside. It cools by taking heat from the air inside your home and pumps it outside.

5. If I switch to energy-efficient electrical systems will I be uncomfortable?

• Probably not. Current electrical technologies usually result in better efficiency while providing uncompromised levels of convenience, comfort and performance.

6. What are emission reduction credits or offsets?

• Environmental emission reduction credits or offsets are reductions in environmental emissions that result from some action, such as increased energy efficiency, and are measured and recorded in an appropriate way so that they can be bought, sold, and traded.

7. How much can I save if I set back my thermostat in the winter?

• If you turn your thermostat back five degrees for an eight-hour period at night, you could save approximately 11% on your total fuel bill. If you setback 10 degrees, you could save approximately 15% on your total fuel bill.

8. What should I set my hot water heater temperature to?

• 120 degrees. If you lower the temperature from 150 degrees to 120 degrees, you could save $150 a year with an electric water heater.

9. If I set back my thermostat does it just cost more to heat the house back up in the morning?

• No, except possibly if you have a heat pump. You lose less energy to raise the temperature in the morning, than the amount required to maintain the higher temperature for eight hours at night.

10. How long until a facility upgrade is paid for?

• Lighting upgrades have produced 1-3 years payback.

11. How much are the emission reductions from energy efficiency projects worth?

• It is estimated that the value/cost of emission reductions for energy efficiency projects range from 0.3 to 1.0 cents per kWh for electricity savings, and 9.6 to 37.7 cents per MMBtu for natural gas savings.

12. What is the average return on investment for an electrical upgrade?

• A return on investment of 30-50% is routinely achievable via an upgrade to more energy-efficient electrical products.

13. How much can I save through a facility upgrade?

• If you upgrade your electrical systems to energy savers, you may save $1.00-1.50 per square foot.

14. I have heard a lot about deregulation. What will it do to my energy costs?

• Deregulation may lower energy costs 10-15% for many facilities.