Energy conservation is a hot topic these days. There are environmental and monetary benefits to using less energy. Having an energy-efficient home can make a huge difference for Colorado consumers. Here are some amazing statistics that will shine a light on energy conservation and savings.
The truth about what we spend
How much do you spend on energy? Coloradans might not know exactly how much of their money goes toward energy consumption, but this is a good place to start when considering the benefits of creating a more energy-efficient home. Data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration reflected that as of July 2012 the average Colorado household was spending a whopping $1,551 per year on energy bills.
The truth about Energy Star products
Are those Energy Star products doing their job? According to statistics, they are. The U.S. Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency report that:
- Approximately $171 million could be saved for United States consumers each year if all homes included an Energy Star-compliant furnace. Likewise, the country would experience a decrease in the emission of greenhouse gases equal to that of emissions from 177,000 cars.
- Even more staggering, if all computers were Energy Star compliant, an amazing 1.8 billion U.S. dollars could be saved each year, and the country would experience a decrease in the emission of greenhouse gases equal to that from two million cars.
- Energy Star-compliant, high-efficiency electric storage water heaters can save families $3,000 before needing to be replaced.
- Energy Star-compliant clothes washers use 20 percent less energy and 35 percent less water than their non-compliant counterparts.
- Even a simple Energy Star light bulb can save a family $40 before it needs to be replaced.
There are even more Energy Star products out there. Take a look and see what a few changes can do to reduce your energy bill and carbon footprint.
The truth about weatherization
Is weatherizing your home worth it? Statistics say yes.
Over the course of three years, the Department of Energy tracked data for their Weatherization Assistance Program, which helps low-income families weatherize their homes the same way the Energy Resource Center helps Southern Colorado families.
After weatherizing 750,000 homes, an average energy savings of $400 per year was reported for individual families.
The truth about home energy audits
Is a professional home energy audit able to save your family money? The short answer is yes.
A Colorado home energy audit will identify areas in your home that need energy efficiency improvements. According to the Department of Energy, after home improvements based on an audit are put in place, a family can save up to 30 percent on energy bills.
The statistics are in, and energy conservation can clearly make a difference to the pocketbooks of consumers. In Southern Colorado, the Energy Resource Center helps families in El Paso, Teller, Fremont, Douglas, Alamosa, Conejos, Mineral, Saguache and Rio Grande counties. Income-qualifying families could be eligible for a free home energy audit and efficiency upgrades from the ERC. The ERC can also help non-qualifying families for a fee that will support the nonprofit’s efforts. Contact the ERC today to find out what kind of energy conservation savings are in store for your family!