Energy efficiency saves energy, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, demand for non-renewable resources and electricity costs – while contributing to healthier living conditions and more sustainable lifestyles.
Homeowners can make simple adjustments to their homes to improve energy efficiency and insulate themselves against price increases for utilities such as electricity and natural gas.
It’s Good for Your Wallet
Energy efficiency can help families and businesses lower electricity bills and make energy more cost-effective. Simply turning off lights when not needed or unplugging devices that aren’t in use as well as regularly reviewing home/business energy efficiency ratings can significantly lower electric bills. Upgrading appliances to ENERGY STAR(r) products may save even more; energy efficient water heaters or furnaces may cost more upfront, but over their lifespan their savings on utility bills typically more than offset this initial expense.
Enhancing energy efficiency in buildings, vehicles and equipment is integral to combating climate pollution on a grand scale. Every kilowatt-hour of energy we save through energy efficiency measures eliminates over one pound of carbon dioxide emissions into the atmosphere – an impressive figure! Not only that; improving air quality at homes and workplaces is proven to decrease asthma triggers as well.
It’s Good for the Environment
Energy efficiency helps mitigate climate change pollution, particularly carbon dioxide emissions, by decreasing demand for fossil fuels. Even seemingly minor steps – like switching incandescent light bulbs for LEDs or washing your laundry in cold water instead – can have a major impact when multiplied across millions of households.
Energy efficient buildings, appliances, vehicles and industrial processes cost less to heat or cool and require less energy for production, thus saving homeowners and businesses money while increasing revenue for government agencies while lowering operating costs for schools and hospitals.
At a national level, energy efficiency enhances security of supply by decreasing dependence on imported energy resources, mitigating geopolitical risk and strengthening grid resilience. Energy efficiency has been one of the main contributors to global efforts at limiting greenhouse gas emissions; but, to address climate change head on we must continue making greater improvements through policies and programs which make energy savings easy and affordable for both individuals and businesses alike.
It’s Good for the Economy
Energy efficiency is one of the biggest job creators in the clean energy economy. It reduces power plant construction needs while simultaneously cutting energy bills – leading to greater disposable income for families, increased revenue for businesses, and lower operating costs for schools and hospitals.
Reducing energy waste reduces costs associated with heating and cooling homes, fueling cars, and running factories, while increasing resilience by cutting demand – something especially relevant to lower income households who spend an outsized share of their income on energy costs.
Reducing energy use is also key to meeting climate goals. Reducing air pollution that harms human health and the need for fossil fuels for electricity generation, heating, transportation and cooling also reduces carbon dioxide emissions and benefits the environment.
It’s Good for Your Health
Air pollution caused by burning fossil fuels can have detrimental health impacts on both heart and respiratory conditions, but energy efficiency measures like replacing inefficient lighting fixtures with LED alternatives, installing insulated windows and choosing more energy-efficient appliances can significantly lower emissions while decreasing exposure to harmful pollutants.
Energy efficiency can also benefit your mental health by alleviating anxiety associated with high energy bills, particularly for low-income families. Energy-saving measures may help eliminate what’s known as an “energy burden,” when families devote too much of their income to electricity costs instead of paying for essentials like food and medication.
Energy efficiency can also contribute to bettering your overall health by increasing comfort in the home or building you inhabit. For instance, ENERGY STAR lights use up to 90% less energy than traditional incandescent bulbs, and insulation improves temperature stability by sealing air leaks – helping prevent cold spots while creating an inviting, healthier and more relaxing atmosphere.