It seems one of the most interesting discussions in American society has been lately is whether or not there is such a "thing" as climate change, or as many like to refer to it "global warming."
I believe the whole argument of "is there " or is there not" climate change is actually a red herring used by those who stand in the corner of energy companies and benefit from energy companies profits. The idea of climate change has wrought great news for the average consumer where electrically operated devices for the homeowner now use less electricity and cost the consumer much less money to operate.
The appliance in most homes that uses the most electricity to operate is the air conditioning condenser, the use of which was once a luxury, but has become a necessity in recent years. There was a time when this device was very costly to operate and a huge drain on the local electric grid. The US government recently set standards of efficiency where the least efficient air conditioner a consumer can buy used to be the MOST efficient just 10 years ago (from 10 SEER or less to at LEAST 13 SEER present day) which means the average consumer is able to operate an air conditioner much less expensively than in years past. Efficiency standards for furnaces have also been improved costing the consumer less for natural gas in winter months to heat their homes. The savings are especially realized when the homeowner makes certain their homes are properly insulated. I would strongly advise against setting ones thermostat to higher temperatures when one is not home as it does take more work for the air conditioner to remove heat energy from the home that has accumulated during a summer day, than it takes to keep ones home a constant temperature throughout the day, whether one is at home or not. In winter months, I DO suggest turning the thermostat to cooler temps when one is away as it does not take as much energy to ADD heat energy to a space.
Another way the average consumer is able to save money on energy is by the use of compact florescent light bulbs, or their more expensive cousin the LED light bulb. The homeowner can operate a CFL bulb emitting the light of a 200 Watt "normal" light bulb while using only 55 Watts. The CFL and LED bulbs do not produce as much heat as a "normal" bulb and the CFL and LED'S last longer as well. The CFL light bulbs do contain a small amount of mercury and should be disposed of properly. Many local fire stations and city halls have receptacles for CFL disposal which makes this easier for the consumer as well.
There are many other appliances which have become less expensive to operate from refrigerators to washers and dryers as a result from this "debate" and from government mandates. The consumer has also benefited from rebates and tax credits for purchasing more efficient appliances as well. The wise consumer who chooses energy efficient appliances benefits almost immediately from using energy efficient appliances and light bulbs in their homes.
So, we may not all agree that climate change is "real" or a "man-made" event. We may not all have the same political philosophies or agree on the same ideologies.
But, most people do agree on trying to save money for themselves and their families, and higher efficiency appliances are a smart way to realize great money savings. Some savings one sees over time, but a lot of savings are almost immediate.
Your electric company will miss your hard earned dollars!!
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