Energy efficiency
COURTESY : www.energystar.gov
Examples of energy efficiency
Anywhere that energy is used, there is an opportunity to improve efficiency. Some products, like energy-efficient light bulbs, simply use less energy to produce the same amount of light. Other products don’t use energy directly, but they improve the overall efficiency and comfort of a house or a building (such as thermal insulation or windows).
Energy efficiency protects the environment
Most light switches and outlets pull electricity from nearby power plants. These power plants typically burn fossil fuels, such as natural gas and coal. A byproduct of burning fossil fuels is the release of greenhouse gases, such as carbon dioxide, which contribute to climate change. More information on greenhouse gases.
These power plant emissions also contain other harmful air pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter, that lead to unhealthy air. Learn about common air pollutants.
Fossil fuels are also often burned directly to heat our buildings, such as in furnaces and boilers, and for water heating and cooking. This can impact indoor air quality in your home, as well as contribute to outdoor air pollution. By using energy more efficiently, we can help reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and other air pollution, fight the threat of climate change, and help to protect our health and the environment.
Energy efficiency saves money
Energy efficiency helps address energy equity
By reducing monthly energy bills, energy efficiency can lessen the strain of paying for energy, especially for families with high energy burdens – meaning a larger percentage of their income goes to paying energy bills than the average household. Installing energy-efficient products like light bulbs, windows, or efficient appliances can help to bring down a household’s energy burden, making energy more affordable. Families experiencing energy insecurity can face the difficult choice between paying monthly energy bills or putting food on the table. Energy efficiency can help households financially and improve the health, comfort, and safety of families in their homes.
ENERGY STAR can help you find energy-efficient products and homes
ENERGY STAR is the simple choice for energy efficiency, making it easy to find products that will save you money and protect the environment. The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) ensures that each product that earns the label is independently certified to deliver the efficiency performance and savings that consumers have come to expect. Find ENERGY STAR certified products.
ENERGY STAR certified homes are at least 10% more energy efficient than homes built to code and achieve a 20% improvement on average while providing homeowners with better quality, performance, and comfort. Search for ENERGY STAR certified homes.
