Approximately one-third of energy consumption is consumed by residential consumers. Within that, 29% of its usage is attributed to household appliances and electronics and 26% to HVAC (heating and cooling). According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), many of our homes and energy-consuming products are using considerably more energy than is needed. Therefore, we need to turn our focus toward energy efficiency. Energy efficiency is about using less energy to get the same job done (EPA.gov).

The EPA established the ENERGY STAR Star Program to provide energy-efficient solutions for American homes and businesses. The ENERGY STAR Program has helped save 5 trillion kilowatt-hours of electricity, cut back $500 billion in energy costs, and reduced greenhouse gasses by 4 billion metric tons (EPA.gov). In addition, ENERGY STAR is committed to serving low-income communities through its Inclusivity Utility Investment program.

In addition to ENERGY STAR-rated appliances, tankless or “on demand” water heating can have a significant impact on energy consumption. Tankless water heaters are already widely in use across Europe and Asia, especially in areas with high urban density and localities with energy-efficiency regulations, and present a major opportunity for improved efficiency worldwide.

Traditional storage tank water heaters continuously heat and reheat water throughout the day, even when it’s not being used. In contrast, hot water on demand systems heat water only when needed, eliminating much of that wasted energy. They reduce energy consumption, lower utility bills, and provide a longer operational lifespan compared to conventional tanks.

Investing in efficient appliances and tankless water heaters can meaningfully reduce both energy waste and utility expenses. From there, look for other opportunities to improve efficiency across your home, such as installing smart thermostats or switching to LED lighting. While each individual change may seem like a small step, they’ll build up over time into a large impact.