Energy of the City
The Scholarship
Cool Facts
Did You Know?
When homeowners remodel or shop for new appliances today, being “green” is on their minds. They look at energy use guides and take note of Energy SmartTM decals on everything from washers to computers. When it comes to comparing appliances, the first distinction that should be made is between power sources --- natural gas and electricity.
The story starts well before the home. Think back to your introductory science class — any time something changes form there is a loss of energy. Natural gas, although treated and transported, is not converted to energy until its use in the home or office.
Compare that to electricity, which must first be generated. Yes, solar- and wind- derived electricity are “green” power sources, but the reality is that most of the electricity generated in the United States still comes from the burning of coal, and those “clean coal” plants we hear a lot about don’t yet exist. In fact, 93% of sulfur dioxide and 80% of nitrogen oxide generated by the electric utility industry comes from coal power plants.
But generation is just half the story. Most electricity generated at a coal plant will travel great distances over the transmission grid before it is used. By the time most people turn on an electric appliance, they are using only 30% of the original power source — more than two thirds of the energy has dissipated during generation and transmission.
We’ve been trained to think that things that are good for us aren’t as enjoyable. The big news is that most homeowners prefer more efficient natural gas appliances not just because they are “green”, but because they achieve the results homeowners want. Over the years, research has shown that people believe homes equipped primarily with natural gas appliances have a more comfy and cozy feel. And there’s no drop off in style, as the range of modern and classical designs is as broad as ever.
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