Energy and Utilities Energy Efficiency and Conservation 1

Question 1

What does ENERGY STAR certification on an appliance indicate?

Accepted Answer

The appliance meets EPA energy efficiency standards, using significantly less energy than standard models

Answer

The appliance was manufactured in the US

Answer

The appliance uses only renewable electricity

Answer

The appliance has no standby power draw

Question 2

What is 'phantom load' or 'vampire power'?

Accepted Answer

Electricity consumed by devices while in standby or turned off

Answer

Power lost in transmission lines

Answer

Surge power during equipment startup

Answer

Power factor losses in motors

Question 3

What does 'R-value' measure in building insulation?

Accepted Answer

Thermal resistance — how well insulation resists heat flow

Answer

The reflectivity of roofing materials

Answer

The recycled content percentage of insulation

Answer

The fire resistance rating of wall materials

Question 4

What is a 'demand charge' on a commercial electric utility bill?

Accepted Answer

A charge based on the customer's peak power demand during the billing period

Answer

A charge based on total monthly energy consumption

Answer

A fee for requesting new service

Answer

A surcharge for renewable energy programs

Question 5

What is a 'heat pump' and why is it considered energy efficient?

Accepted Answer

A device that moves heat rather than generating it, providing 2–4 units of heating/cooling per unit of electricity

Answer

A furnace that burns natural gas very efficiently

Answer

A pump that transfers heated water for radiant floor heating

Answer

A solar thermal device that heats water

Question 6

What is the purpose of an energy audit for a commercial building?

Accepted Answer

Systematically identifying opportunities to reduce energy consumption and costs

Answer

Verifying the accuracy of electric meters

Answer

Checking compliance with electrical code

Answer

Auditing energy suppliers' billing practices