Ecoquiz: Test Your Green Home Knowledge Now!
Questions and Answers
- 1.
What is low VOC paint or primer?
- A.
Low Volume Odor Chemicals
- B.
Low Volatile Organic Compounds
- C.
Low Ventilation Oxidant Chloride
- D.
Low Vascular Obsolete Compounds
Correct Answer
B. Low Volatile Organic CompoundsExplanation
The paint has less of an impact on air quality and the environment than traditional formulas.Rate this question:
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- 2.
How much does heating and cooling typically account for a home’s utility bill?
- A.
15%
- B.
25%
- C.
45%
- D.
60%
Correct Answer
C. 45%Explanation
Heating and cooling typically account for a significant portion of a home's utility bill. This is because maintaining a comfortable temperature indoors requires a considerable amount of energy. The 45% answer suggests that almost half of the utility bill is attributed to heating and cooling expenses.Rate this question:
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- 3.
How much does the average home typically spend on energy bills every year?
- A.
$543
- B.
$1070
- C.
$1430
- D.
$2000
Correct Answer
D. $2000Explanation
The average home typically spends around $2000 on energy bills every year. This amount includes expenses related to electricity, heating, cooling, and other energy consumption. Factors such as the size of the home, location, energy efficiency, and individual usage habits can influence the specific amount spent on energy bills.Rate this question:
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- 4.
Currently, there are ________ million fridges over ten years old in the U.S.:
- A.
23
- B.
47
- C.
62
- D.
71
Correct Answer
B. 47 -
- 5.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) considers _____________ to be one of the five most urgent public health risks in the United States.
- A.
Asbestos
- B.
Radiation in countertops
- C.
Poor indoor air quality
- D.
Lack of water temperature control
Correct Answer
C. Poor indoor air qualityExplanation
Poor indoor air quality is considered one of the five most urgent public health risks in the United States by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is because poor indoor air quality can lead to various health issues, including respiratory problems, allergies, and asthma. Indoor air can be contaminated with pollutants such as dust, mold, pet dander, and chemicals from cleaning products, which can have detrimental effects on human health. Therefore, addressing and improving indoor air quality is crucial for protecting public health.Rate this question:
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- 6.
In most households, the ___________ is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance.
- A.
Oven
- B.
Dishwasher
- C.
Stove
- D.
Refrigerator
Correct Answer
D. RefrigeratorExplanation
The refrigerator is the single biggest energy consuming kitchen appliance in most households because it runs continuously to keep food cold and preserve freshness. It requires electricity to power the compressor, which circulates refrigerant and maintains a cool temperature inside. Additionally, refrigerators often have features like ice makers and water dispensers that further contribute to their energy consumption.Rate this question:
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- 7.
How often should you change your air filter, at a minimum?
- A.
Once every other week
- B.
Once every three months
- C.
Twice a year
- D.
Once a year
Correct Answer
B. Once every three monthsExplanation
Air filters should be changed at least once every three months. This is because air filters become dirty and clogged over time, reducing their efficiency in trapping dust, pollen, and other particles. Changing the air filter regularly ensures clean air circulation and helps maintain the performance and lifespan of the HVAC system.Rate this question:
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- 8.
A programmable thermostat can save you about ______ a year in energy costs.
- A.
$30
- B.
$75
- C.
$120
- D.
$180
Correct Answer
D. $180Explanation
A programmable thermostat can save you about $180 a year in energy costs. This is because programmable thermostats allow you to set different temperature levels for different times of the day, allowing you to reduce heating or cooling when you are not at home or during times when you don't need as much comfort. By optimizing the temperature settings, you can reduce energy consumption and save money on your energy bills.Rate this question:
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- 9.
True/False: If you’re remodeling your bathroom, it’s best to keep your old vinyl flooring.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
It is not best to keep your old vinyl flooring when remodeling your bathroom. This is because old vinyl flooring may be worn out, damaged, or outdated, and it may not match the new design or aesthetic you are aiming for. Additionally, removing the old vinyl flooring can provide an opportunity to inspect the subfloor for any damage or issues that may need to be addressed before installing new flooring. Therefore, it is generally recommended to replace old vinyl flooring when remodeling a bathroom.Rate this question:
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- 10.
True/False: When painting, you should leave out the paint primer because it is a toxin that has high VOCs.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
B. FalseExplanation
This statement is false. When painting, it is important to use a paint primer as it helps to create a smooth and even surface for the paint to adhere to. Paint primers also help to seal porous surfaces, prevent stains from bleeding through, and improve the durability of the paint job. While some paint primers may contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), there are also low VOC or VOC-free options available in the market. It is always recommended to choose a primer that suits the specific painting project and follow safety guidelines for ventilation and personal protection.Rate this question:
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- 11.
When washing laundry or dishes, you should:
- A.
Use the dishwasher or laundry when it’s completely full- they operate most efficiently when full.
- B.
Fill the dishwasher or laundry washer only half full, so that the dishes/clothing can have maximum cleansing for each load.
Correct Answer
A. Use the dishwasher or laundry when it’s completely full- they operate most efficiently when full.Explanation
Using the dishwasher or laundry when it's completely full is the correct answer because appliances like dishwashers and laundry washers operate most efficiently when they are fully loaded. This is because they are designed to use a certain amount of water and energy for each cycle, and using them when they are only half full would result in wasting resources. By waiting until they are completely full, you maximize the efficiency of the appliance and reduce water and energy consumption.Rate this question:
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- 12.
When choosing a new refrigerator, you should look for models that:
- A.
Have the refrigerator and freezer side-by-side
- B.
Have the freezer on top and refrigerator on bottom
- C.
It doesn’t matter- most updated models are energy efficient
Correct Answer
B. Have the freezer on top and refrigerator on bottomExplanation
In general, models with the freezer on the top use up to 25% less energy than comparable side-by-side refrigerator/freezer modelsRate this question:
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- 13.
True/False: When updating old cabinetry, the most eco-friendly and healthy route is to reface, repaint, or resurface your existing cabinetry.
- A.
True
- B.
False
Correct Answer
A. TrueExplanation
It's best to reuse your existing cabinetry rather than dumping them- Cabinets occupy 10-15% more than their current weight in a landfill. Also, if your current cabinets are from the 1950s or earlier there’s a good chance they’re built better than most on the market today.Rate this question:
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- 14.
Lowering your hot water thermometer to ____ degrees will help save energy.
- A.
90
- B.
100
- C.
120
- D.
130
Correct Answer
C. 120Explanation
Lowering your hot water thermometer to 120 degrees will help save energy because it reduces the amount of energy required to heat the water. Higher temperatures require more energy, so by setting the thermometer to a lower temperature, less energy is needed to heat the water to the desired level. This can result in energy savings and lower utility bills.Rate this question:
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- 15.
Recommended temperatures are ____ to ____ degrees F for the fresh food compartment of the refrigerator.
- A.
21 to 24
- B.
30 to 33
- C.
37 to 40
- D.
40 to 43
Correct Answer
C. 37 to 40Explanation
The recommended temperatures for the fresh food compartment of a refrigerator are 37 to 40 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature range helps to keep perishable items like fruits, vegetables, and dairy products fresh for a longer period of time. It is important to maintain this temperature range to prevent bacterial growth and food spoilage.Rate this question:
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- 16.
Which of the following is not considered to be a green flooring material?
- A.
Laminate
- B.
Bamboo
- C.
Cork
- D.
Oak
Correct Answer
D. OakExplanation
Oak is not considered to be a green flooring material because it is typically sourced from old-growth forests, which can have a negative impact on biodiversity and contribute to deforestation. Additionally, the process of harvesting and manufacturing oak flooring often involves the use of harmful chemicals and high energy consumption, making it less environmentally friendly compared to other options such as laminate, bamboo, and cork.Rate this question:
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- 17.
After re-painting your home, what should you do with the unused or partially used paint containers?
- A.
Save them- the paint can be used for a different project in the future
- B.
Reuse them- You can recycle the containers by using them to store materials
- C.
Dispose them- The containers are considered hazardous waste and can over time affect the air quality in their storage area
Correct Answer
C. Dispose them- The containers are considered hazardous waste and can over time affect the air quality in their storage areaExplanation
Unused or partially used paint containers should be disposed of because they are considered hazardous waste. Over time, these containers can affect the air quality in their storage area. Saving or reusing them may lead to potential environmental and health hazards.Rate this question:
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