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Making an Impact at Home

The Energy Information Administration estimates that household energy use is responsible for about one-fifth of the total energy consumed in the United States each year. While the average U.S. family spends almost $1,500 a year on utility bills, much of this energy is unfortunately not put to use. Heat can escape from your home through drafty windows, doors, attics, and walls and some of your household appliances use energy 24 hours a day - even when they are turned off.

Improving your home's energy-efficiency doesn't just save money; better insulation, for example, reduces uncomfortable drafts, and double-pane windows make for a quieter home. The possibilities for reducing your home’s impact on the environment are endless and can easily add up to both save you money and improve the comfort of your home.

Cooling
Energy consumption for home air conditioning accounts for almost 5% of all the electricity produced in the U.S. and costs homeowners over $15 billion annually, emitting roughly 140 million tons of carbon dioxide.
Lighting
The U.S. spends about one-quarter of its electricity on lighting at a cost of more than $37 billion annually.
Water at Home
The average household spends as much as $500 per year on its water and sewer bill.
Using Appliances
Home appliances can add to or detract from a home's overall energy-efficiency.
New Construction
Before you design a new home or remodel an existing one, you should consider investing in its energy-efficiency- you'll save energy and money in the long run.
Heating
Heating generally accounts for 35-50% of annual energy costs in colder parts of the country and is often the largest energy expense in our homes.