MPR: This Cold House: Test your energy smarts

1. What fuel is used to heat the majority of homes in Minnesota?
A. Natural Gas
B. Heating Oil
C. Electricity
D. Wood

2. Natural gas prices are expected to be substantially higher this winter than last. Which of these is NOT a factor:
A. Hurricanes Katrina and Rita
B. Natural gas production hasn't kept up with demand
C. It's going to be colder than last year
D. The ongoing war with Iraq

3. Heating and cooling take up what percentage of an average home's yearly energy bill?
A. 28 percent
B. 17 percent
C. 56 percent
D. 43 percent

4. How much can you save on my heating bill by turning down your thermostat for several hours each day while nobody's home?
A. 5 percent
B. 10 percent
C. Nothing, because my furnace has to work harder than normal to warm up the place when I get home.

5. What is the most cost-effective way to reduce your heating costs right away?
A. Use caulk and weatherstripping to seal drafty spots around doors and windows
B. Turn your thermostat way down and huddle around the fireplace
C. Replace your old windows with double or triple-pane windows
D. Add more insulation to your attic

6. What is an R-value?
A. It's the ratio of cost vs. savings on energy efficiency projects
B. It's a measure of the effectiveness of insulation.
C. It's a measure of the efficiency of a furnace.
D. It's a measure of the warmth of a fur coat.

7. Which of these home appliances uses the most energy?
A. Clothes dryer
B. Dishwasher
C. Refrigerator
D. Big screen TV

8. Your parents probably told you to turn off the lights when you leave a room so you don't waste energy. Were they right?
A. Yes. My parents were right about everything.
B. No. My parents were control freaks.
C. None of the above.

9. How much can you save on your light bill by switching from incandescent to compact fluorescent light bulbs?
A. 25 percent
B. 40 percent
C. 65 percent
D. 80 percent

10. Next, your personal computer. When should you turn the monitor off to save energy?
A. After 20 minutes of not using it.
B. After two hours of non-use.
C. After 10 hours of non-use.
D. Isn't that what screen savers are for?

11. Your water heater can account for 14%-25% of the energy consumed in your home. What inexpensive steps can you take to reduce those costs?
A. Insulate your water heater with an insulation blanket.
B. Set the thermostat setting on your water heater to 120 degrees.
C. Reduce the amount of hot water you use by installing low-flow shower heads and faucets.
D. Skip the dishwasher and wash your dishes by hand.
E. Answers A, B and C

12. Window coverings can help reduce heating costs, depending on their type. Which is most effective?
A. Window blinds
B. Draperies
C. Old bed sheets
D. Window shades

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