- 2017-04-20 08:05:47
- Article ID: 673316
UF/IFAS Expert: For Earth Day, Save Energy with Small Steps
Wendell Porter, UF/IFAS energy expert
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Credit: Robert Annis, UF/IFAS
UF/IFAS senior lecturer Wendell Porter says it's crucial to recycle year-round, not just during Earth Day on Saturday. Porter offers more hints to save energy: Change the temperature on your thermostat by 1 degree. Change the temperature on your hot water tank from 130 to 120. Turn off your home entertainment system overnight and while you’re at work.
People don’t buy the lights because they’re afraid they’ll make a mistake, said Porter, senior lecturer in the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences department of agricultural and biological engineering.
His suggestion for Earth Day and year-round environmental and cost-savings?
“Make that first step; actually make a decision,” he said. “It’s that first step. Customers looking at LED lights don’t want to make a mistake. Well, what if you do? What if it’s the wrong color temperature, and it’s a brighter white than you wanted, and you wanted a warm color? Then the next time you read the label a little more carefully. And you think, ‘I wasted that $3.’ No you didn’t. Put it in the back closet.”
LED stands for light-emitting diode. Those types of lights are more energy efficient that conventional light bulbs.
Porter offers more hints to save energy: Change the temperature on your thermostat by 1 degree. Change the temperature on your hot water tank from 130 to 120. Turn off your home entertainment system overnight and while you’re at work.
“Then get addicted to the habits,” Porter said. “It’s all about the money to me.”
In addition to LED lights, Porter suggests solar arrays. They can save you $1,000 to $1,500 a year on your electricity bill. Plus, with a 30 percent federal tax credit for solar panels, you can install a $10,000 solar array and get back $3,000, Porter said.
About 10 to 15 years ago, 52 percent of America’s electricity came from coal. Now, coal produces figure barely 30 percent, he said. At 32 percent, our leading source of electricity is natural gas. Renewable energy sources such as solar will soon take over as the leading source for electricity, Porter said.
Porter predicts we’ll use renewable energy as our main source faster than many experts think.
“I’ve been waiting 40 years for this,” Porter said with a hint of giddiness.
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By: Brad Buck, 352-294-3303, bradbuck@ufl.edu
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS works to bring science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents. Visit the UF/IFAS web site at ifas.ufl.edu and follow us on social media at @UF_IFAS.
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