Experiment In Energy Use
What's it take to reduce consumption? We tackled this challenge in February and March of this year. Our goal was a 30% reduction over past use. Did we do it?
Past Use: The black circles drawn below show the therms used from January 2009 and earlier. Bigger circles = more therms. They fall closer to the bottom as monthly average temperatures get colder.
New Use: The two bright red circles show our use in February and March 2009.
Guides: Compare to average use by matching with the gray and pink "guide" circles at each gridpoint, which show the "typical past use" scenario and the "goal of 30% less use" scenario.
It's quite doable! What did it take? We set the thermostat lower, made sure to open all the blinds during the day, and dressed warmly.
Admittedly, it wasn't always comfortable. But next year will look much better. We're getting a programmable thermostat, and I'm on a mission to rid the house of drafts and insulate the windows.
Past Use: The black circles drawn below show the therms used from January 2009 and earlier. Bigger circles = more therms. They fall closer to the bottom as monthly average temperatures get colder.
New Use: The two bright red circles show our use in February and March 2009.
Guides: Compare to average use by matching with the gray and pink "guide" circles at each gridpoint, which show the "typical past use" scenario and the "goal of 30% less use" scenario.
It's quite doable! What did it take? We set the thermostat lower, made sure to open all the blinds during the day, and dressed warmly.
Admittedly, it wasn't always comfortable. But next year will look much better. We're getting a programmable thermostat, and I'm on a mission to rid the house of drafts and insulate the windows.
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