The ice in the Arctic is rapidly disappearing, and the region may have its first completely ice-free summer by 2040. Polar bears and other indigenous cultures are already suffering from sea-ice loss.
Glaciers and mountain snows are rapidly melting. Right now, Montana's Glacer National Park has only 27 glaciers. It had 150 in 1910.
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Your mother was right. Instead of turning up the heat when you have a chill, put on a sweater. Sweaters will help you retain more body heat more efficiently than cranking up the heat. |
| Reducing Energy Use For Swimming Pools |
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It takes a lot of energy to heat a swimming pool. Above-ground and semi-above-ground pools tend to use more power for heating because there is more expected heat loss from the surrounding frame than in-ground pools, but overall, pools (and hot tubs) can be expensive to operate, especially if they are used all-year-round. While energy conservation and swimming pools don't usually mix, there are still some ways to save money on heating and reduce energy consumption. Pool CoversThe top of the pool is where 99% of the heat is lost, so whenever the pool is not in use, it should be covered up. Many states already require that pools have covers and pool cover locks to prevent accidents, but also, solar powered pool covers can actually provide a lot of heat energy to the pool. For many above-ground pools without heaters, this, and the natural ambient temperature, are the only things that heat a swimming pool. These pools tend to be cooler (translate: more refreshing), however other than energy required for the pool pump, these are low energy consumers. Also, you're obviously going to get more benefit if the sun hits your pool directly. Solar HeatersRunning a system of hoses to and from special water heating solar panels can significantly reduce the energy required to heat a swimming pool. Water heated from the sun can reach over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, which when circulated against the cold water being pulled out of a pool, can cost much less than a heating pump. These solar panels can usually be purchased as kits and fitted to the roof of your home to maximize the efficiency from the sun. Of course, this is dependent on weather. Lowering Pool TemperatureComfort ranges for pool temperature range from person to person, but usually a pool is warm enough when you don't have that initial "shock" when you enter the pool. While many pool owners like to have their waters around 90 degrees Fahrenheit, reducing the pool's temperature even by one or two degrees can amount to significant energy savings. Pool Pump TimersIt isn't necessary to have your pool pump circulating 24 hours per day. With an attached timer, you can set your pool pump to operate for twelve hours a day, which can amount to electrical savings of up to $25 / month. Timers for pool pumps can be attached directly to the electrical source. Owning a pool usually amounts to automatic energy costs, but with proper care and sense, there are ways to keep these costs to a minimum. |
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