Course: GFM 102 Technical Aspects of Energy, Resources & Conservation

Reading

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Building (Residential & Commercial) Energy Terminology in Daily Use

The amount of energy we use in our homes mainly depends on the climate where we live and the types and number of energy consuming devices we use. The pie chart on the right shows the major energy uses in homes in 2009, when most energy use was for space heating (42%), followed by electronics, lighting and other appliances (30%), water heating (18%), air conditioning (6%), and refrigeration (5%).

The number and variety of ways we use energy in homes is changing rapidly. Energy use for air conditioning has doubled since 1980. U.S. households currently plug in more appliances and electronics at home than ever before. While refrigerators and cooking equipment have long been standard in homes, the ownership of appliances such as microwaves, dishwashers, and clothes washers and dryers has increased over the past 30 years.

It is increasingly common for homes to use multiple televisions and computers. Additionally, the home electronics market is constantly innovating, and new products such as DVRs, game systems, and rechargeable electronic devices are becoming ever more integral to our modern lifestyle. As a result of these changes, appliances and electronics (including refrigerators) now account for nearly one-third of all energy used in homes.

Click here to access and read the Use of Energy in the United States Explained: Energy Use in Homes from U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Click here to access and read the Glossary of Energy Terms from the California Energy Commission.

Click here to access and read the Use of Energy in the United States Explained: Energy Use in Commercial Buildings from U.S. Energy Information Administration.