Question

The average household in the United States spends more than $1,500 on energy bills each year. Unfortunately, much of that energy is wasted. Most of the energy lost from homes is lost through poorly insulated windows, doors, walls, and the roof. So, a good way to increase energy efficiency is to add to the insulation of a home. Replacing old windows with new, high-efficiency windows can reduce your energy bill by 15 percent.

Two of the best places to look for ways to conserve energy are doors and windows. Much of the energy lost from a home escapes as hot air in winter or cold air in summer passes through gaps around doors and windows. Hold a ribbon up to the edges of doors and windows. If it flutters, you’ve found a leak. Sealing these leaks with caulk or weather stripping will help conserve energy. There are dozens of other ways to reduce energy use around the home.

IDENTIFYING MAIN IDEAS:

In the space provided, write the letter of the term or phrase that best completes each statement.

_____ 1. The average household in the United States spends $1,500 a year on

a. repairs to the home. b. windows and doors.

c. insulation. d. energy bills.

_____ 2. Much of the energy in homes in the United States is

a. efficient. b. wasted.

c. conserved. d. reduced.

_____ 3. People can increase energy efficiency in their homes by

a. keeping doors and windows closed at all times.

b. replacing their roofs.

c. adding to the insulation in their homes.

d. using more hot air in winter and more cold air in summer.

VOCABULARY DEVELOPMENT:

Read each question and write the answer in the space provided.

4. The term efficient means “productive without waste.” Use this information to define energy efficiency.

a.

5. Insulate comes from the Latin word for “island” and means “isolate” or “protect.” From what does insulation isolate or protect homes?

a.







In the space provided, write the letter of the term that best answers the question.

_____ 6. What is used for sealing leaks around windows and doors?

a. ribbon b. insulation

c. weather stripping d. replacement parts

RECOGNIZING CAUSE AND EFFECT:

In the space provided, write the letter of the phrase that best completes the statement.

_____ 7. Replacing old windows with new, more efficient windows can

a. reduce an energy bill up to 15 percent.

b. cause leaks that lead to energy loss.

c. increase an energy bill as much as 15 percent.

d. eliminate the need for other improvements to the home.

Read each question and write the answer in the space provided.

8. The greatest loss of energy in a home results from poor insulation in what four areas of the home?

a.

b.

c.

d.

9. How can a person detect leaks around windows and doors?

a.

10. What happens to much of the energy that is used to heat and cool homes?

a.

Answer 1

1. d

2. b

3. c

4. Energy efficiency: using energy productively with minimal waste (getting the same service while using less energy).

5. Insulation isolates/protects the home from outside elements—preventing heat loss in winter and heat gain in summer (drafts, cold, and heat).

6. c

7. a

8. a. Windows
b. Doors
c. Walls
d. Roof

9. Hold a ribbon up to the edges of doors and windows; if it flutters, there’s a leak.

10. Much of it is wasted—escaping as hot or cold air through gaps and poorly insulated windows, doors, walls, and the roof.