For each 10-degree adjustment on your
water heater thermostat, you can reduce
carbon dioxide emissions by 500 pounds a year. By how many pounds will you reduce your carbon dioxide footprint if you turn down your water
heater thermostat from 140¢ªF to 120¢ªF over a 5 year period?
(140-120)/10 * 500Lbs/yr. * 5yrs=5000 Lbs.
To find out how many pounds you will reduce your carbon dioxide footprint by turning down your water heater thermostat from 140°F to 120°F over a 5-year period, follow these steps:
Step 1: Determine the temperature adjustment
Calculate the temperature adjustment by subtracting the final temperature (120°F) from the initial temperature (140°F):
Temperature adjustment = 140°F - 120°F = 20°F
Step 2: Calculate the number of 10-degree adjustments
Divide the temperature adjustment by 10 to find the number of 10-degree adjustments:
Number of adjustments = Temperature adjustment / 10 = 20°F / 10°F = 2 adjustments
Step 3: Determine the carbon dioxide reduction per adjustment
For each 10-degree adjustment, there is a reduction of carbon dioxide emissions by 500 pounds per year. Therefore, multiply the number of adjustments by the reduction per adjustment:
Carbon dioxide reduction per adjustment = Number of adjustments * 500 pounds = 2 adjustments * 500 pounds = 1000 pounds
Step 4: Calculate the total carbon dioxide reduction over 5 years
Multiply the carbon dioxide reduction per adjustment by the number of years (5):
Total carbon dioxide reduction = Carbon dioxide reduction per adjustment * Number of years = 1000 pounds * 5 years = 5000 pounds
Therefore, by turning down your water heater thermostat from 140°F to 120°F over a 5-year period, you will reduce your carbon dioxide footprint by 5000 pounds.