ENERGY USE ADDS UP (Grade 9-12)

As you will see upon completion of this activity, we use a lot of energy in our lives. Something as simple as leaving the television on for 8 hours can cost us 2656 watts. We tend to flip a switch without thinking about the source of the energy or the waste products produced as a result of our use. What are the environmental effects of power produced by water, burning, wind, sun, or nuclear reactions?

PROCEDURE:

Using the attached list, check off the appliances you and your family use. List any others not included. (Check for wattage printed on the UNPLUGGED appliance).

Estimate your hours of usage and find the total consumption per day. Find out the cost and source (oil, coal, gas, hydroelectric, nuclear) of energy from your local utility company, and add up your average daily energy cost.

Consider ways of reducing energy usage, such as by turning lights off everytime you leave a room. Estimate the hours of appliance usage saved and calculate the energy efficient total consumption cost per day.

Compare the new list with the original:

1. What are the environmental costs per kilowatt hour consumed?

2. What are the sources of energy? (i.e. solar, nuclear, coal)

3. Where does the waste from energy generation go? (i.e. ash, nuclear waste)


ENERGY CONSUMPTION OF APPLIANCES
Itemwattage/hourhours/dayenergy/day
Air conditioner1,566
Blanket, electric 177
oiler 1,436
Clock 2
Clothes dryer5,000
Coffee maker1,225
Dehumidifier257
Dishwasher1,201
Disposal (sink) 445
Fan200
Food Blender 386
Food freezer
(15-21 cu. ft., conventional)
375
Food freezer
(15-21 cu. ft., frost-free)
562
Frying pan 1,196
Heater, portable1,322
Humidifier 117
Iron 1,088
Lighting100
Microwave oven1,500
Personal computer50
Radio71
Range12,207
Refrigerator
(16-18 cu. ft., frost-free)
615
Self-cleaning oven2,500
Sewing machine 75
Television, color332
Toaster 1,146
Vacuum cleaner630
VCR 40
Washing machine512
Water heater, quick recovery4,500
Total Average Daily Energy Consumption =


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