AMAZING HOME ENERGY FACTS — The truth about where your money really goes
Most homeowners have no idea how much energy their home wastes every day. These surprising facts show why homes certified as energy efficient—like those verified through the BUILT TO SAVE®High-PerformanceHome program—cost less to live in, use less energy, provide better comfort, deliver healthier indoor air, and are built to last.
Heating & Cooling
1. Heating and cooling use more energy than anything else in your home.
They account for about50% of a typical home’s total energy use.
2. Your home has about one mile of hidden air leaks.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, when you add up all the cracks and gaps around windows, doors, walls, floors, ceilings, and ductwork, the average home has about one mile of air leaks.
3. A small crack can waste massive energy.
A crack just1/16 of an inch wide around a door or window can let in as much air as leaving a window open 3 inches.
4. A leaky home can waste $150 every year.
The average household loses about$150 per year from air leaks alone.
5. Bad insulation can double your cooling bill.
Poor insulation allows heat to move freely into the home, forcing your AC to run longer and harder.
6. Your A/C may use half your energy—but it delivers all your comfort.
An air-conditioning system can account for 50% or more of a home’s utility bill, but it provides 100% of the home’s comfort and must be sized correctly to the space to function properly.
Windows
7. Metal window frames work against your comfort.
Aluminum and steel frames absorb heat and transfer it indoors, which can cause condensation and raise cooling costs.
Vinyl window frames insulate better and help keep indoor temperatures more stable—which is why metal frames cost less
Roof & Attic
8. Your roof can block almost all of the sun’s heat.
Radiant barrier roof sheathing can block up to 97% of the sun’s radiant heat and reduce attic temperatures by as much as 30 degrees. It is one of the smallest investments in building a home, yet delivers one of the highest returns—paying for itself in a short period of time and continuing to save on utility costs for the life of the home.
Lighting
9. Lighting uses about 20% of all U.S. electricity.
10. One light fixture can cost $5,000 over its lifetime.
11. LEDs use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer.
12. One LED bulb can last through a child’s entire childhood.
If you install an LED light in a baby’s room at birth, you likely won’t need to replace it again until that child turns20 years old with normal use.
Electricity & Phantom Power
13. Most of your electricity is used when devices are “off.”
In the average home,75% of electricity used by electronics is consumed while they are turned off.
14. Your computer still uses power when turned off.
15. Your phone charger uses power even when not charging.
If it’s plugged into the wall, it’s still drawing electricity. Unplugging cords stops this hidden energy drain.
Hot Water
16. Hot water is the second biggest energy user in your home.
17. Lowering your washer temperature cuts energy use in half.
Most people wash at 140°F. Dropping to104°Fcan reduce energy use by50%.
Appliances
18. U.S. refrigerators use the output of 25 power plants every year.
19. Old appliances quietly drain your wallet.
New ENERGY STAR appliances can use30–50% less energy than older models.
Big Picture
20. The average American uses four times more energy than the world average.U.S. average
313 million BTUs per person per year;
World average:75 million BTUs.
21. Energy-efficient homes cost less to own.
They lower monthly bills, reduce repairs, and protect against rising energy prices.
22. High-performance homes stay comfortable year-round.
Better insulation, tight construction, and efficient systems keep homes cooler in summer and warmer in winter.
The Bottom Line
A properly built, energy-efficient home can:
- Cut utility bills by20–40%
- Reduce AC run time
- Improve indoor comfort
- Lower maintenance costs
- Increase resale value
Energy efficiency is not just about saving money. It’s about building smarter, living better, and wasting less. See the list of builders in the BUILT TO SAVE® High-Performance Home Program, or visit www.BuiltToSave.org
Visit www.BuiltToSave.org to find out more about why you should not settle for a minimum code-built home when you can enjoy the savings and comfort of a high-performance home. You can also find builders enrolled in the BUILT TO SAVE® program offering high-performance homes.
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