QUESTION: I am trying to live my life as efficiently as possible to save money and benefit the environment. There seem to be so many different efficiency ratings. How can I evaluate which appliances are most efficient?

ANSWER: Using the most efficient appliances and products in your home can significantly cut your utility bills. It will also reduce air pollution, environmental damage from exploration and transportation of fuels and stretch our finite fossil fuel supplies for your children's future needs.

For many products in your home, particularly smaller ones that use electricity, it takes the quick use of a calculator to determine which are most efficient. Luckily, the government and manufacturer associations have made it easier to compare efficiencies of the highest-energy-usage items.

Heating and cooling a home are the greatest contributors to high monthly utility bills. All furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners will have one of the follow efficiency ratings. A higher number indicates higher efficiency. Keep in mind, more efficient models usually cost more initially, so have the contractor do a payback analysis for your home.

Heating seasonal performance factor - This is a heating efficiency rating that compares the seasonal electricity usage of heat pumps.

Seasonal energy efficiency ratio - This is a cooling efficiency rating that compares the seasonal electricity usage of heat pumps or central air conditioners.

Energy efficiency ratio - This is the cooling efficiency rating that compares the electricity usage for window and portable air conditioners. It is a less accurate comparison because it does not take into account the start-up inefficiencies and seasonal changes as a SEER rating does.

Annual fuel utilization efficiency- This is the heating efficiency rating that compares the fuel usage of natural gas, propane and oil furnaces.

Heating water is another major energy consumer in most homes. Water heater efficiency can be compared by its energy factor. It also has a yellow energy usage label on the tank showing estimated annual operating costs.

Visit the Association of

Appliance and Equipment Association Web site (www.gamanet.org) to find efficiency ratings of heating appliances; the site also includes electric water heaters. Similar efficiency ratings on heat pumps and central air conditioners can be found at www.ari.org.

Lighting is another significant electricity consumer. Generally, compact fluorescent bulbs are going to be much more efficient than standard incandescent bulbs. Even though they are more expensive to purchase initially, their long life and efficiency make them a good buy.

Send inquiries to James Dulley, Butler Eagle, 6906 Royalgreen Dr., Cincinnati, OH 45244 or visit www.dulley.com.