For decades, space heating and air conditioning accounted for over half of all U.S. residential energy consumption. However, new estimates from the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) show that 48% percent of energy consumption in American homes during 2009 was used for heating and cooling, down from 58% in 1993.
The lower energy consumption is attributable in part to more efficient heating and cooling equipment, building practices that resulted in better insulation and more efficient windows, and population shifts to areas with warmer climates.
Space heating accounted for 42% of household energy use in 2009, down from 53% in 1993. Stoves, washers/dryers and other appliances, electronics and lighting accounted for 30% of energy use, followed by water heaters at 18%, air conditioning at 6%, and refrigerators at 5%.
The new data tables on average household energy consumption are posted on the on EIA’s website at: http://www.eia.gov/consumption/residential/data/2009/index.cfm?view=consumption#end-use-by-fuel Click on the “By Fuel” and “By End Uses” tables to see the other new energy consumption data. Click the “EXPAND ALL” button on the right side at the beginning of the list of tables to see all the consumption and expenditure data on one screen.
The tables also break down household energy consumption by U.S. regions and states, You can also find household energy consumption and expenditure data by other categories:
*Housing type
* Year of construction
* Size of the home
*Number of household members
* Household income
First conducted in 1978, the thirteenth RECS reflected energy consumption and expenditures during 2009. The 2009 survey collected data from about12,000 households in housing units statistically selected to represent the 113.6 million housing units that are occupied as a primary residence. Data from the 2009 RECS are tabulated for the four Census regions, the nine Census divisions, and 16 States. These 16 States vary in their geography, climate, and population size.
Percentage of average U.S. household energy consumption by end-use, 1993 and 2009
Join the conversation: