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Glossary
The average Texas home, according to the Texas State Energy Conservation Office, uses energy in the following proportions:
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Air-Conditioning 23%
-
Heating 22%
-
Hot Water 24%
-
All-Other Energy 31%
Remember that these figures are averages of homes that have no air-conditioning, that are all-electric, that use both natural gas or propane and electricity, etc.
All-other energy includes the lighting, television, computer, kitchen appliances, even the swimming pool pump. A home with no swimming pool and one television would use energy differently than a home with three televisions, three computers, and one swimming pool.
Three Points Jump Out
1.
Air-conditioning and heating use 45% of the energy in the average Texas home. One inexpensive project will affect the energy use of both. That is tightening up the home. Caulk, caulk, and more caulk.to seal leaks. This includes leaks in the ceiling such as can lights--although you need to avoid a fire situation here by consulting a building supply store before starting.
2. Hot water uses 24% of the energy in the average Texas home, and that must be more in an all-electric home or propane. Solar hot water is reasonably inexpensive to install and pays for itself in three-to-seven years according to some experts but only if you have propane or electric hot water.
3. All the remaining energy use (lights, televisions, appliances, computers, etc.), are less than a third of your total energy bill, Of that 31%, the refrigerator and the swimming pool are the large energy users.
Conclusion
You are losing utility money in the average North Central Texas home every month of the year. If you want to lose less money, it is probably best to install solar hot water and caulk & seal before any other steps are taken in a home energy remodel.
green builder, or green remodeler
in North Central Texas
or the Dallas-Fort Worth area?
Are you purchasing or building a home?
Ready to add renewable-energy?
Interested in living more sustainably?
Contact Terry Jensen
Frugal Energy, LLC
972 251-1532
Green
Remodeling
972 251-1532
Average Texas Home
Click to enlarge
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