Assumptions
Savings stated are an estimate based on certain assumptions explained here. Actual savings will vary.
TogetherWeSave Calculation Overview
The Together We Save campaign relies on real dollar savings projections to help encourage consumers to change behaviors. The TV, print and radio spots all reference savings potential and direct consumers to TogetherWeSave.com, where they can learn more about do-it-yourself energy saving measures they can implement in their homes and businesses.
So where do these savings projections come from? There are many assumptions used in the calculation of energy and dollar savings. All are traceable to basic formula and data from nationally recognized sources.
Electricity Costs
$0.114/kWh is the national average cost of electricity used in all calculations except where the user has entered a zip code to be matched with an electric cooperative that has provided actual rates and/or climate zone.
Other assumptions and sources
- Some of the ads and applications present the savings from switching to CFLs, turning lights and appliances off, or unplugging devices to cut phantom loads. Savings from these measures are based on the manufacturers' published energy use data, and test data available from online sources.
- Other measures such as using ENERGY STAR® appliances base their savings on data and assumptions provided by the Environmental Protection Agency that administers the ENERGY STAR program.
- Measures that involve changes to a home's insulation, air sealing, HVAC system, and thermostat settings require a more detailed approach. Using computer-based load calculation and energy analysis software, Touchstone Energy Cooperatives staff created a computer model of a typical 2,262 square foot, three-bedroom, two-bath house with basement.
- Staff modeled the energy used to operate our typical house. Next we modified the home computer model to add each of the energy saving measures. Energy savings are the difference in energy use of our typical "base" home and our modified version.
- Similar approaches were used to calculate savings of measures for commercial buildings.
- In some cases, the calculated savings numbers were rounded for use in the ads.
- The savings measures are geographically and climate dependent. To provide region-specific results, the electric cooperative can specify which of the 15 climate zones, defined by the US Department of Energy, they are located in. Weather data for that climate zone is used to calculate savings. If no zone is specified, we assume the house is located in Lebanon Kansas. Why Kansas? Lebanon, Kansas is near the geographic center of the lower 48 states.
Savings Messages in Advertising
Savings quoted in the TV, Radio, and Print advertisements are based on the national average cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh and the default home location of Lebanon, Kansas.
For the Home Tour and Interactive Applications, the electric cooperatives can input their average cost of electricity and specify which one of fifteen US Department of Energy climate zones, they are located in. This customization improves accuracy and provides more region- and member-specific results.
Computer Model
Several of the energy and cost saving measures were evaluated using a computer model of a "typical" house. A base model of the house was created and used to estimate heating and cooling operating costs for a specific set of building envelop, thermostat, and equipment operating parameters. Savings for various measures were calculated by modifying this base model, recalculating the operating costs, and determining the difference in operating cost between the base and the modification.
Base house model assumptions
Three bedroom, two bath home with partially conditioned basement located in Lebanon, KS. The home has a total heated and cooled area of 2,262 square feet with a 1,479 square foot main living area. The house's long axis runs North-South. There is no exterior shading. The model and room layout is based on a demo file provided by Wrightsoft.
Envelope
- Walls are brick exterior with R-11 insulation
- Ceiling has R-19 insulation. Attic is ventilated, roof has dark shingles
- Basement is partially below grade with R-4 exterior insulation
- Basement floor is concrete, basement ceiling is suspended acoustic tile
- Main floor is a combination of vinyl, tile, and carpet over wood
- Windows are double-glazed, wood framed, with blinds
- Doors are solid-core wood
- The house is lightly sealed with 1 natural air change/hour
Systems
- The house is conditioned by a generic air-source heat pump with 10 SEER, 6.8 HSPH, electric resistance heat, and partially sealed ductwork.
- The water heater is a 50-gallon electric model with EF = 0.90, hot water consumption is 64.3 gallons/day at 130 F.
- Four people occupy the house. Appliance loads are moderate.
- Electric rate = $0.114/kWh
Applications
Flip the Switch
- Savings based on reducing "on-time" of seven 60-Watt lamps from 6 hours to 2 hours/day and appliances including two TVs and computer with total power of 922 Watts from 8 hours to 3 hours/day.
Install CFLs
- Savings based on replacing ten 60-Watt incandescent bulbs with 14-Watt CFLs, used 3 hours/day, 365 days/year.
Phantom Loads
- Savings based on standby energy use stats from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and National Resources Defense Council for electronic devices including plasma TV, game console, satellite set-top box, and DVR.
Adjust you water heater
- Savings based on reducing set point on a 50-gallon electric water heater with 0.90 Energy Factor from 130° F to 120° F. Daily usage of 64.3 gal/day, 65° F cold water temperature, and 67.5° F ambient temperature.
Add Insulation
- Savings compares annual energy use of house with 6" attic insulation vs. 15" attic insulation based on computer load and energy-use simulation of standard house model. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Adjust your thermostat
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with thermostat setting of 70° F winter to that of the same house where the thermostat was maintained at a temperature set point of 68° F. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Adjust the blinds
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house without blinds to that of the same house where the blinds opened during the day in winter to admit the sun and closed during the day in summer to block solar heat gain. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Seal the cracks
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with an average air leakage rate of 1 air change per hour to the same house where caulking, weather stripping, and duct sealing has reduced leakage to 0.75 air changes per hour. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Upgrade your HVAC
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with a 10 year old heat pump with SEER = 10 and HSPF of 6.8 to the same house using an ENERGY STAR® rated heat pumps with a rating of SEER = 15 and HSPF = 8.5. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Home Tour
Turn off the lights
- Savings assumes each switch reduces "on-time" of a 60-Watt lamp from 6 hours to 2 hours/day.
Install CFLs
- Savings per lamp based on replacing 60-Watt incandescent bulb with 14-Watt CFL, used 3 hours/day, 365 days/year.
Pull the Plug
- Savings based on standby energy use stats from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, and National Resources Defense Council for electronic devices including plasma TV, game console, satellite set-top box, and DVR.
Upgrade your refrigerator
- Savings from EPA ENERGY STAR® on-line Refrigerator Savings Calculator for replacement of 19 cubic foot refrigerator with a freezer on the top built in 1990 with an equivalent ENERGY STAR refrigerator.
Upgrade your Dishwasher
- Savings from EPA ENERGY STAR® website for replacement of a standard dishwasher manufactured before 1994 with equivalent ENERGY STAR model.
Upgrade washing machine
- Savings from EPA ENERGY STAR® website for replacement of a 10 year-old standard clothes washer manufactured with equivalent ENERGY STAR model. Savings include electricity savings as well as water savings = $50/year.
Adjust you water heater
- Savings based on reducing set point on a 50-gallon electric water heater with 0.90 Energy Factor from 130° F to 120° F and 110° F. Daily usage of 64.3 gal/day, 65° F cold water temperature, and 67.5° F ambient temperature.
Add insulation
- Savings compare annual energy use of house with 6" attic insulation to house with 9", 12", and 15" attic insulation based on computer load and energy-use simulation of standard house model. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Adjust your thermostat
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with thermostat setting of 70° F winter and 75° F summer to that of the same house where the thermostat was maintained at different temperature set points adjusted in 1° F increments. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Upgrade your HVAC
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with a 10 year old heat pump with SEER = 10 and HSPF of 6.8 to the same house using ENERGY STAR® rated heat pumps with either of two ratings: SEER = 15 and HSPF = 8.5 or SEER = 18 and HSPF = 9.1. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Adjust the blinds
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house without blinds to that of the same house where the blinds opened during the day in winter to admit the sun and closed during the day in summer to block solar heat gain. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
Seal the cracks
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with an average air leakage rate of 1 air change per hour to the same house where caulking, weather stripping, and duct sealing has reduced leakage to 0.75 air changes per hour. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions.
TV
Add Insulation
- Savings compares annual energy use of house with 6" attic insulation vs. 15" attic insulation based on computer load and energy-use simulation of standard house model. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Programmable Thermostat
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with a manual thermostat maintained at a winter setting of 70° F and 75° F summer to that of the same house where a programmable thermostat is used to reduce winter temperature to 65° F in winter and 85° F in summer during unoccupied periods. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Business
- Shipping business with 2,500 square foot office and 16,000 square foot warehouse with typical lighting, equipment, and HVAC loads. Savings calculated from turning off lights and equipment and utilizing programmable thermostat it office. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Campaign Radio
Add Insulation
- Savings compares annual energy use of house with 6" attic insulation vs. 15" attic insulation based on computer load and energy-use simulation of standard house model. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Programmable Thermostat
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with a manual thermostat maintained at a winter setting of 70° F and 75° F summer to that of the same house where a programmable thermostat is used to reduce winter temperature to 65° F in winter and 85° F in summer during unoccupied periods. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Business
- Shipping business with 2,500 square foot office and 16,000 square foot warehouse with typical lighting, equipment, and HVAC loads. Savings calculated from turning off lights and equipment and utilizing programmable thermostat it office. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Simple Steps Radio
Dial (Water Heater)
- Savings based on reducing set point on a 50-gallon electric water heater with 0.90 Energy Factor from 130° F to 120° F. Daily usage of 64.3 gal/day, 65° F cold water temperature, and 67.5° F ambient temperature. Additional savings calculated from washing clothes in cold water, reducing hot water use by 14%. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Add Insulation
- Savings compares annual energy use of house with 6" attic insulation vs. 15" attic insulation based on computer load and energy-use simulation of standard house model. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Vampire Loads
- Savings based on standby energy use stats from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy for multiple electronic devices including home entertainment system, game console, second TV, computer and peripherals, and various rechargeable home appliances. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Turn Off (Commercial)
Programmable Thermostat - Business
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of a computer model of a 10,000 square foot retail store with a manual thermostat maintained at a winter setting of 70° F and 75° F summer to that of the same store where a programmable thermostat is used to reduce winter temperature to 65° F in winter and 85° F in summer during unoccupied periods. Refer to business model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Turn Off - Business
- Bakery with 1,000 square foot sales area, 600 square foot dining area and additional production and storage areas with typical display and overhead lighting and equipment. Savings calculated from turning off lights and equipment during unoccupied hours. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Turn Off - Business
- Shipping business with 2,500 square foot office and 16,000 square foot warehouse with typical lighting, equipment, and HVAC loads. Savings calculated from turning off lights and equipment and utilizing programmable thermostat it office. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Install CFLs
- Savings per lamp based on replacing 60-Watt incandescent bulb with 14-Watt CFL, used 3 hours/day, 365 days/year. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Turn Off (computer)
- Data from ENERGY STAR® on computer, monitor, and peripherals energy use and typical run and idle times. All components use a total of 204 Watts when active, 171 Watts when idle, and 4 Watts when off. Savings from turning computer off for 5490 hours rather than idle. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Water Heater
- Savings based on reducing set point on a 50-gallon electric water heater with 0.90 Energy Factor from 130° F to 120° F. Daily usage of 64.3 gal/day, 65° F cold water temperature, and 67.5° F ambient temperature. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Programmable Thermostat
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with a manual thermostat maintained at a winter setting of 70° F and 75° F summer to that of the same house where a programmable thermostat is used to reduce winter temperature to 65° F in winter and 85° F in summer during unoccupied periods. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Unplug
- Savings based on standby energy use stats from Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, and American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy for multiple electronic devices including home entertainment system, game console, second TV, computer and peripherals, and various rechargeable home appliances. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Airtight
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of the standard computer model house with an average air leakage rate of 1 air change per hour to the same house where caulking, weather stripping, and duct sealing has reduced leakage to 0.75 air changes per hour. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Insulation
- Savings compares annual energy use of house with 6" attic insulation vs. 15" attic insulation based on computer load and energy-use simulation of standard house model. Refer to home model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Commercial Programmable Thermostat
- Savings were calculated using computer load and energy-use simulation that compares the annual energy use of a computer model of a 10,000 square foot retail store with a manual thermostat maintained at a winter setting of 70° F and 75° F summer to that of the same store where a programmable thermostat is used to reduce winter temperature to 65° F in winter and 85° F in summer during unoccupied periods. Refer to business model description for detailed assumptions. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh
Commercial Turn Off
- Bakery with 1,000 square foot sales area, 600 square foot dining area and additional production and storage areas with typical display and overhead lighting and equipment. Savings calculated from turning off lights and equipment during unoccupied hours. Cost of electricity = $0.114/kWh