Breaking Down Home Energy Use

You pay for the energy you use on your monthly bills. Find out where those energy dollars are going.

You pay for energy use on your monthly bills, but what exactly are you using those dollars for? The following chart breaks it down.

Household Energy Consumption by End Use

Households have become more efficient

How has household energy use changed over time? In 1980, the average annual household energy use was 126 million Btu, according to the DOE. In 2020, that number had dropped to 77 million Btu per household, a reduction of 39% over 40 years!

Reducing your energy use

Is your household part of the growing energy efficiency crowd? If not, here are some simple energy-saving tips:

• Have your HVAC systems inspected once a year by a qualified professional.
• Change HVAC air filters regularly according to the manufacturer's guidelines.
• Take shorter showers and install water-efficient showerheads and faucet aerators.
• Switch out conventional lightbulbs for high-efficiency LEDs, which also last longer.
• When purchasing new appliances, look for the ENERGY STAR^® label.
• Adjust your thermostat to save energy when everyone's asleep or no one is home.

Consider a home energy audit.

A qualified auditor will inspect your home and give you a detailed breakdown of ways to reduce your energy use and costs.