Top 5 Energy Consumers in American Homes

Last updated 7 months ago

Changing the temperature on a digital thermostat

With global temperatures and ocean levels on the rise, it’s clear that we need to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions. Florida homeowners can do a lot to reduce their carbon footprint by simply making a few changes around the house. Here’s a close look at the top five energy consumers in the average American home and how you can make them more efficient:

HVAC systems

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, heating and cooling account for a staggering 54% of home energy consumption. In order to make your home climate control more efficient, you should stay on top of maintenance, purchase a programmable thermostat, or invest in a newer unit.

Water heaters

Water heaters, which account for 18% of total energy use, are next on the list of top energy users. Taking shorter showers can reduce both energy and water use, as can investing in a tankless or solar water heater.

Home lighting

Lighting accounts for 6% of the average home’s energy consumption. In order to reduce the amount of energy spent on lighting, you should install compact fluorescent lights in every fixture and turn them off when you don’t need them.

Electronics

TVs, computers, cell phones, and other home electronics take up another 6% of the home’s total energy. The best way to reduce the energy consumed by electronics is to locate “energy vampires” and attach them to power strips or unplug them when they’re not in use.

Refrigeration

Lastly, refrigerators account for around 4% of home energy. In order to reduce your refrigerator’s impact, you should slightly raise its cooling temperature, make sure its door closes all the way, and keep it fully stocked. If your refrigerator is more than 10 years old, you should consider replacing it with a newer, Energy Star-rated model.

For more information on how you can reduce your home’s energy consumption, contact Florida Public Utilities Company. In addition to providing electricity, natural gas, and propane, we offer to help our Florida clients locate energy waste with our free energy check-ups. Call us today at (561) 832-0872, and get one step closer to a more efficient home or business.