Energy Efficiency Resources for the Residential Sector
As consumers, there are many options available to us that reduce the
pollution caused by our energy use. The energy choices we make can have a big impact
on reducing air pollutant emissions. Consumers can reduce the emissions, and
therefore the environmental impacts, caused by their home energy use by
conserving energy, increasing the efficiency of their energy
use, purchasing cleaner or renewable energy and electricity, and buying and retiring
emission reduction credits.
Best Energy Efficiency Actions for Consumers
Electricity and other home fuel use is responsible for approximately 20% of the average
U.S. household’s pollutant emissions. Many low cost energy efficiency measures are available to consumers for decreasing
their home energy and electricity use. And while most energy efficiency options may cost a
little more at the time of purchase, they save the consumer money over the life of the
equipment. Consumers can expect to save between 10% and 50% on utility bills by making
their homes energy-efficient. In addition, utility companies often offer rebates and other
incentives for making homes more energy-efficient.
Buying energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs, switching to natural gas, and
installing insulation and programmable thermostats are just a few of the ways consumers
can be energy-efficient. When buying new appliances (furnaces, air conditioners,
refrigerators, washers, water heaters, clothes driers, etc.) compare Energy Guide labels
and look for the Energy Star – a label given by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE to products
whose energy efficiency rating is best in its category and also exceed the minimum federal
standards.
Figure 1: How Energy is Used in a
Typical Household
Heating and Cooling
Heating and cooling consumes the most energy (44%) in an average household. Consumers
can reduce the energy used for heating and cooling by conserving energy and implementing
the following energy efficiency measures:
- Lower the thermostat in winter; raise it in the summer
- Use shades and drapes to block sunlight out during hot weather and let sunlight in
during cold weather
- Use ceiling fans in the summer and winter to keep air circulating and mixed
- Caulk, weatherstrip, and insulate walls, attics, basements, windows, doors, and pipes
- Clean and service furnace and air conditioner, replace filters as recommended
- Install a programmable thermostat
- When replacing windows, buy double- or triple-pane storm windows with solar control or
low emissivity (low-E) glass
Water Heating and Refrigeration
The water heater and refrigerator account for 14% and 9% of household energy use,
respectively. The following practices can help to reduce the energy used by these
appliances:
- Keep hot water heater set between 120 and 140oF
- Wrap your water heater with an insulating blanket to reduce heat loss
- Keep the refrigerator set between 36 and 38oF, keep freezer
set between 0 and 5oF
- Check for leaks around refrigerator doors, keep coils clean, defrost freezer to
eliminate ice build-up
- Consider replacing an older inefficient refrigerator with a new one - new refrigerators
use up to half the energy of older models
- Remove old second refrigerator if possible, old appliances are usually inefficient and
consume a lot of energy
Lighting, Cooking, and Other Appliances
The remaining portion of home energy (33%) is used for lighting, cooking, and other
appliances. Consumers can reduce the energy used for these purposes by implementing the
following energy conservation and energy efficiency measures:
- Turn off lights and appliances when not in use
- Replace incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent
- Install dimmers and timers on lights
- Washer: Use cold or warm water for the wash cycle; use hot only for very dirty loads;
always use cold water for the rinse cycle; use appropriate water level and amount of
detergent
- Dryer: Clean lint screen after every use, keep vents and ducts clean, hang clothes to
dry
- Use the microwave instead of the stove whenever possible
- When replacing appliances (furnaces, air conditioners, water heaters, clothes dryers,
etc.), buy those that are energy-efficient. When buying new appliances, compare Energy
Guide labels, and look for the Energy Star. Energy Star products also save money on
utility bills. The energy savings from newer, more efficient appliances can make up for
the purchase price of the appliance in just a few years.
- Appliances that run on natural gas are often more efficient and cause less pollution
than those that run on electricity
These are only a few of the low cost ways consumers can make their energy use efficient
and decrease pollution from home energy use. To find out how you can further improve the
energy efficiency of your home, consider having a home energy audit done.
Resources To Help Make Your Home
More Energy Efficient
Cleaner and Greener
Environment Program Home Checklist Use the Home Checklist to save energy and
reduce emissions at home!
Consumer
Guide to Green Energy Choices This report shows that many cost competitive emission
reduction options are already available to consumers.
Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Department of the U.S. Department of Energy contains many easy to do energy efficiency
measures for consumers.
Energy Savers
is a program of the U.S. Department of Energy that provides tips for saving
electricity and buying cleaner power.
The Energy Advisor feature of the Home
Energy Saver Web Site Is a helpful tool for comparing the utility bills for an average
home to an energy-efficient home in your area. The estimate also offers a breakdown of how
the energy is used within a home (heating, cooling, appliances, etc.). The site also
offers specific recommendations for updating to a more energy-efficient home.
ENERGY
STAR® lists products that
have earned the Energy Star Label and features a store locator. The site also offers
appliance-buying tips.
Cleaner and
Greener Pollution from
Electricity Use Calculator. The Cleaner and Greener Program also supplies more
information about how to save energy at home.
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