People spend approximately half of their time at home, consuming energy through a combination of lighting, heating and cooling, water heating, kitchen appliances, personal electronics, and small appliances, such as fans.

In the United States, heating and cooling accounts for approximately 26% of home energy consumption (Figure 3).⁸ Appliances and electronics also represent a similar percentage of total energy consumption, and other small electronics and electric devices typically consume more than a quarter of the overall usage.

Figure 3: Typical residential energy end uses (2016)

Data Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Tenant Measures

There are various simple, low-cost actions that can increase residential energy efficiency through minor upgrades and improvements.

Consider the following energy efficiency conservation measures:

Lighting

• Replace incandescent light bulbs with CFLs or LEDs.
• Add controls for indoor and exterior lights to coincide with daylight, motion, or occupancy.

Heating and cooling

• Caulk and weatherstrip air leaks around windows and doors.
• Seal ductwork with metal tape or mastic.
• Install programmable thermostats. Set temperatures to coincide with occupancy, including night setbacks, and recommend thermostat settings of 20° C (68° F) or lower in heating season and 25° C (78° F) or higher in cooling season.
• Install timer controls for bathroom exhaust fans.
• Replace or clean furnace filters regularly.
• Install and utilize shade control devices where solar heat gain is high.

Figure 4: The interactive Energy Star® Home Efficiency Tool offers dozens of tips for every room in a house*

Image Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency * see Resources: Home Efficiency Tool

Appliances

• Set water heater thermostats to 49° C (120° F) or lower.
• Insulate storage water heaters and hot water pipes.
• Choose Energy Star® appliances, such as refrigerators, freezers, water heaters, washers, dryers, oven/ranges/microwaves, toaster ovens, and dishwashers (see Resources: Home Improvement).

Phantom loads

• Use smart power supplies with occupancy sensors for larger loads.
• Unplug equipment when not in use.
• Purchase televisions and computer monitors that are Energy Star®-rated or A+, A++, or A+++ Energy Class-rated under the European Union (EU) Energy Labeling Directive.

Figure 5: EnergyGuide and Lighting Facts labels allow consumers to compare estimated annual energy consumption and utility costs of appliances and equipment

Image Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

Owner Measures

Heated and cooled air can escape through roofs, attics, walls, basements, and ductwork. Install the maximum feasible amount of recycled content-containing and formaldehyde-free insulation. Evaluate other envelope upgrades, such as replacement of doors and windows.

Heating and cooling system improvements can also reduce energy use. Consider controls upgrades, such as programmable thermostats and timers, or humidistats for bathroom fans. Where ceiling heights permit, consider installing ceiling fans to reduce reliance on air conditioning systems.

If undertaking a larger HVAC system upgrade, consider installing a zoned system that can heat and cool spaces independently, such as a ductless split system, to avoid conditioning unoccupied rooms. In colder climates, air-to-air heat exchangers are an efficient way to heat ventilation air. Select Energy Star®-qualified heating and cooling equipment, and on-demand (tankless) water heaters.

Take into account energy implications when making upgrades for aesthetic or maintenance reasons. When replacing light fixtures, select CFL- or LED-compatible models to reduce lighting energy consumption. For roof replacements, select light-colored materials to reduce solar heat gain, and select light-colored blinds and shades to reflect heat to the outside, unless in cold climates, where solar gain is desirable.

Finally, consider opportunities for renewable energy, such as solar water heating, an effective residential technology for both domestic hot water and swimming pool heating (see Resources: Solar Water Heating). Photovoltaics (PV) are another source of renewable energy (see Energy: Photovoltaics).