Amy Joi O’Donoghue is a reporter for the Utah InDepth team at the Deseret News and has decades of expertise in covering land and environmental issues.
SALT LAKE CITY — A new analysis puts Utah seventh in the nation overall for its energy efficiency, at fifth place in the country for home energy efficiency and ninth for vehicle fuel efficiency.High-efficiency air conditioning and heating are key.
"In other words, get a high-efficiency HVAC system for the home if you currently have a system that is old or inefficient . Make sure to get a programmable thermostat. This will reduce wasted heating/cooling when you are not at home. Simpler items: Install more insulation and seal leaks. This will reduce heating and cooling costs and can cut energy loss by 25%-40%," noted Betty Simkins, a professor at Oklahoma State University and Russell Simkins, a retired energy consultant."This can have a return on investment of up to 100%, depending how underinsulated the home is. Install energy-efficient windows and exterior doors, especially if the current ones are old. This option can be expensive. Buy Energy-Star certified appliances."The findings by WalletHub also note the importance of having efficient transportation systems."While there are some steps you can take to become more energy efficient on your own, living in the right area can give you a big boost. For example, certain states have much better public transportation systems that minimize your need to drive, at least in big cities. Some places also have better constructed buildings that retain heat better during the winter or stay cooler during the summer," said Chip Lupo, WalletHub analyst. A car at an electric vehicle charging station at the Capitol in Salt Lake City on June 25. Utah ranks high in vehicle efficiency, according to a new report. Utah Transit Authority and efficiencyFor multiple years, Utah Transit Authority has been named one of the best public transportation systems in North America. The analysis puts Utah in the No. 23 spot for transportation efficiency.The American Public Transportation Association noted at one time, UTA experienced record high use.The association described its awards as "given to those individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the public transportation industry in North America. Winning an APTA Award means that you are 'the best of the best' and a distinguished leader."In April this year, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy took a ride on FrontRunner, accepting an in
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