In Hottest Year Ever, US Homes Used a Record Amount of Power to Keep Cool

The year 2022 marked a record-breaking milestone for energy consumption in U.S. homes, with a significant increase in power usage for cooling purposes. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the summer of 2022 witnessed an unprecedented surge in energy demand for cooling, driven by a combination of extreme heat waves, increased use of air conditioning, and other factors.

Extreme heat waves, particularly those experienced in late June and early July, contributed significantly to the increased demand for cooling. The contiguous United States experienced 16 heat waves in 2022, with the most intense occurring during these months. These heat waves led to a significant rise in energy consumption for cooling, as households sought to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures.

The rising popularity and affordability of air conditioning units have also played a crucial role in the increased energy consumption for cooling. In 2022, 91% of U.S. households had air conditioning, compared to 68% in 1993. This increased penetration of air conditioning units contributed to the higher energy consumption for cooling.

Larger homes and more electronics have also contributed to the increased demand for cooling. The average size of U.S. homes has been increasing, along with the number of electronic devices and appliances used within them. Larger homes require more energy to cool, and the increased use of electronics generates additional heat, further driving up cooling demand.

Energy-efficient buildings, while reducing overall energy consumption, may also lead to increased cooling demand. More efficient buildings retain heat better, which can result in higher cooling needs, especially during heat waves. Inadequate insulation and air sealing in many older homes can also contribute to higher cooling demand and increased energy consumption.

The increased demand for cooling has had a significant impact on overall energy consumption and carbon emissions in the residential sector. In 2015, air conditioning accounted for 11% of total residential energy consumption, up from 9% in 2009. The increased energy demand for cooling has also contributed to higher carbon emissions, with cooling accounting for 16% of residential energy-related CO2 emissions in 2015.

To reduce energy consumption for cooling while maintaining comfort, homeowners and policymakers can employ several strategies. These include passive cooling methods such as shading and ventilation, active cooling methods such as evaporative cooling and geothermal heat pumps, and energy-efficient technologies and practices such as energy-efficient appliances, smart thermostats, LED light bulbs, solar panels, and energy audits.

By implementing these strategies, homeowners and policymakers can reduce energy consumption for cooling while maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. These strategies can also help lower energy bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with energy production.

Sources:
EIA. (2018). Highlights from the 2015 RECS: energy consumption, expenditures, and end-use modeling. Retrieved from
EIA. (2018). What's New in How We Use Energy at Home. Retrieved from