IMPORTANCE OF RESIDENTIAL ENERGY USE

$241 billion. That's how much is spent every consumers spend each year on energy for home use. About 1 in 5 of the nation's energy dollars is spent in homes. Energy efficiency improvements could cut this number by well over half.

90% of your time. That's the proportion of the average American's time spent indoors. The quality of indoor air is often worse than the air outside. Moisture and gasses from building materials are some of the many invisible sources of indoor air pollution. When done right, energy efficiency upgrades will also improve indoor air quality and make your home safer and more comfortable.

1.2 billion tons of greenhouse-gas emissions. That's what is emitted (as carbon dioxide) into the atmosphere as a byproduct of making the energy to power U.S. homes. Every single thing done to save energy at home trims these emissions.

Did you know that the typical U.S. family spends about $1,900 a year on home utility bills? Unfortunately, a large portion of that energy is wasted. And each year, electricity generated by fossil fuels for a single home puts more carbon dioxide into the air than two average cars.

Right in your own home, you have the power to reduce energy demand, and when you reduce demand, you cut the amount of resources, like coal and gas, needed to make energy—that means you create less greenhouse gas emissions, which keeps air cleaner for all of us...and saves on your utility bills! Plus, reducing energy use increases our energy security.

"Other" includes small electric devices, heating elements, motors, swimming pool heaters, hot tub heaters, outdoor grills, and natural gas outdoor lighting.

Schools Days and Energy Smart Ways

Schools Days and Energy Smart Ways
With the new school year and sports season upon us, members of your household may be away from home more often during the day. If that's the case, now is a great time to adjust your home energy use.
For instance, set your thermostat at 78 instead of 74 degrees and you can save about 40% on your cooling costs.
Lighting also has effect on your overall energy cost. Illuminated lights can add a lot of heat to the house. So keep up the good habit of turning lights off when you leave a room.
Here are a few easy e+ tips to share with your family and friends:

• Don't try to speed cool your house at a very low temperature when your get home from school or work. A standard single-speed AC unit won't cool faster. When it's running, it's cooling as fast as it can. So choose your normal indoor setting, such as 78 degrees.
  
• Arrange items in your refrigerator for quick removal and return. Your refrigerator cools the food but heats the kitchen. The longer the door stays open, the longer it runs, heating the kitchen and raising the air-conditioning costs.
  
• Use the microwave or outdoor grill instead of the range and oven. Both are especially useful during the summer because they won't heat up the kitchen during cooking.
  
• Drink plenty of tap water. Water will help you stay hydrated and feel cooler.