Residential Survey Reveals Insight on Energy Consumption

The U.S. Energy Information Administration released its most recent residential survey, analyzing the country’s energy consumption as of 2009. 

Revealed in this survey, the nation is seeing an upward trend of average household energy expenditures, as numbers soared from $1,810 in 2005 to $2,024 in 2009.  This increase in energy expenditures comes with an interesting twist.  The level of energy consumption from 2005 to 2009 (and into 2012) has remained mostly stable, even as the size and number of housing units across the country become larger. 

How can consumption remain the same as expenditure increase, one might ask?  The explanation is in the number of homes that are opting for energy efficiency improvements.  Household changes in insulation, double-pane windows, space heating, air conditioning, and more efficient major appliances are the factors that contribute to the decreased energy consumption per household.  In the past nearly two decades, housing units are adopting the improved technology that allow for decreased energy usage—only 36% of homes 1993 had energy efficient, multi-pane windows compared to 58% of homes in 2009.  

The survey shows that by 2009, millions of homeowners were focused on home energy efficiency improvements not only to save money, but also to contribute to the growing energy-conscious community.  By 2009, 40 million households used caulking and weatherstripping to seal cracks and air leaks; 26 million households added insulation measures; 68 million used at least one energy efficient lighting in the form of LEDs or CFLs; and more than 41 million households had ENERGY STAR refrigerators and washers. 

MyHomeEQ shares the nationwide focus on increased energy efficiency and cost savings by helping homeowners choose the right home improvement measures.  In making the necessary changes to your living space, you too can reap the benefits of a more comfortable, efficient, and valuable home.