Energy and Utilities Energy Efficiency and Conservation

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

ENERGY STAR is a joint EPA/DOE program that certifies products meeting specific energy efficiency criteria, typically 10–50% more efficient than minimum standards.

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

Electricity consumed by devices while in standby or turned off

Answer

Phantom load is the electricity continuously drawn by electronics and appliances when plugged in but not actively in use.

Question 3

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

Accepted Answer

Thermal resistance — how well insulation resists heat flow

Answer

R-value is a measure of thermal resistance; higher R-values indicate better insulating performance and less heat transfer through the material.

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

Demand charges are billed based on a customer's highest measured power draw (kW) during the billing period, covering the utility's cost to keep capacity available.

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

Heat pumps move thermal energy from one place to another using refrigerant cycles, achieving efficiencies (COP) of 2–4, far exceeding the 1.0 limit of resistive heating.

Energy and Utilities Practice Test

Energy and Utilities Practice Test

Energy and Utilities Energy Efficiency and Conservation