What's Your Energy IQ?

Last week, Channel 3 wrapped up its Beat the Heat & Win promotion in which 24 different viewers won $300 during the 10pm broadcast. Patricia Bolden was the grand prize winner and will receive one year of FREE utilities (up to $3600)!

In case you didn't get to play along, here's your chance. There are 30 questions, and the answers will be posted tomorrow. Grab a pen! (Sorry, no cash prizes or free utilities for completing the quiz! We offer you the gift of knowledge instead!)

MLGW Energy Saving Trivia

1. Should you leave a ceiling fan on if you are not in the room?

2. In the summer, what's the ideal temperature setting for your thermostat?

A. 68 degrees
B. 78 degrees
C. 72 degrees

3. When should you program your thermostat?

A. When you are away from home for four or more hours.
B. When the TIVO isn’t working.
C. When there’s something good on TV.

4. True or False: To conserve energy, the garage door should be left open.

5. Your thermostat is at 76 degrees, but the ideal setting is 78 degrees; how much is the two degree difference adding to your cooling costs?

A. 1 percent
B. 2 percent
C. 12 percent

6. True or False: Shading windows on the sunny side of your home blocks out heat.

7. True or False: When the cooling system is on, open all storm windows and doors.

8. Weatherstripping is_____.

A. An act that violates a county ordinance.
B. One way to make your home energy efficient.
C. A tornado.

9. An incandescent light should be replaced with ____.

A. Another light.
B. A compact fluorescent bulb.
C. A bright idea.

10. True or False: You should always replace the filter cover on the A/C unit.

11. True or False: A lamp should be placed near your thermostat.

12. True or False: At bedtime, your programmable thermostat should decrease the temperature for more comfortable sleep.

13. An air conditioning unit operating in the shade uses _____ less energy than one operating in the sun.

A. 2 percent.
B. 10 percent
C. 5 percent

14. True or False: When shaving, you should keep the water running.

15. When is the best time to water plants or your lawn?

A. After you eat.
B. At noon.
C. In the morning or late evening.

16. What’s the best way to recycle water from a pet aquarium or water bowl?

A. Use it to water plants.
B. Pour it down the drain.
C. Let it evaporate.

17. Repairing all household leaks (i.e. inside and outside faucets, toilets, water heaters, hoses and washer connections) can save how much water each year?

A. Enough to fill a drinking glass.
B. Enough to fill a bathtub.
C. Enough to fill a swimming pool.

18. How much water should you use to brush your teeth?

A. Enough to wet your toothbrush.
B. Enough to fill a glass of water.
C. It does not matter.

19. True or False: Place sprinklers on the sidewalk to water lawns.

20. True or False: Setting your thermostat at a colder setting than normal when you turn on your air conditioner will cool your home faster.

21. Which of the following is effective in reducing water-heating costs:

A. A setting of 120 degrees or “warm.”
B. Washing your clothes in cold water.
C. Turning off or lowering your water heater temperature when leaving your home on vacation.
D. All of the above.

22. How can you save energy when using your dishwasher?

A. Run your dishwasher in the evening when it’s cool.
B. Turn off the heater ("hot-dry") on your dishwasher and let the dishes air dry.
C. Don’t use dishwashing soap.

23. True or False: You can keep your home cooler in the summer if you wait to do heat-producing chores like baking or laundry until the hottest part of the day is past or after the sun goes down.

24. True or False: To conserve water, you should take more baths than showers.

25. When should you start shopping for a new water heater?

A. Whenever the old water heater stops working.
B. If the old water heater is more than seven years old.
C. None of the above.

26. True or False: Battery chargers still draw energy when they are plugged in but not in use.

27. True or False: Turn off your personal computer when you're away from your PC for 20 minutes or more.

28. What percentage of American homes has central cooling systems?

A. 47 percent
B. 80 percent
C. 20 percent

29. True or False: When buying an air-conditioning unit, you only need to consider the price.

30. True or False: Standard single-pane glass has very little insulating value.

Stay tuned for the answers!