Energy Basics
This is the ability to do work or cause change.
What is energy?
Turning these off when you leave a room saves electricity.
What are the lights?
This appliance keeps food cold and runs 24/7. Keeping it closed helps save energy.
What is the refrigerator?
This is the opposite of wasting energy — it means using the least energy to do the same job.
What is energy efficiency?
This type of energy comes from the sun.
What is solar energy?
Using a fan instead of this appliance can save lots of energy.
What is the air conditioner?
Washing clothes in this temperature water saves energy.
What is cold water?
This term describes devices that use energy even when they’re turned off but still plugged in.
What are energy vampires (or phantom loads)?
This is the term for energy that comes from things like coal, oil, and natural gas.
What are fossil fuels?
This kind of light bulb uses less energy than a regular one.
What is an LED bulb?
You can reduce heating and cooling costs by sealing these in your house.
What are windows and doors (or drafts)?
This is the measurement used to show how much electricity you use.
What is a kilowatt-hour?
This type of energy comes from moving water.
What is hydroelectric (or hydropower)?
Plugging devices into one of these can help save energy when turned off.
What is a power strip?
This system heats or cools your home and should be maintained to save energy.
What is the HVAC system?
This word describes energy sources that can be used over and over again, like sunlight and wind.
What is renewable energy?
These two forms of energy are renewable and don’t cause pollution when used.
What are wind and solar energy?
This is the best time of day to use energy-intensive appliances like dishwashers or dryers to reduce strain on the power grid.
What is during off-peak hours?
This simple device adjusts the temperature in your home and can be programmed to save energy.
What is a thermostat?
This label helps you find appliances that use less energy.
What is ENERGY STAR?