Electricity is the biggest source of power for U.S. homes - and for every kilowatt-hour used, 2.2 are "lost" as that energy is generated and sent over transmission lines. So, even small changes in our habits can scale up to big reductions in carbon emissions.
Energy Used per Home (2006, in millions of BTU*)
- Electrical Loss = 89.3
- Electricity used in the home = 41.0
- Natural Gas = 40.0
- Petroleum = 11.1
- Renewable = 3.6
If we converted half of all lightbulbs to compact flourescents, we would reduce CO2 from lighting by 42.4 million tons a year, or 36%.
If we turned off home computers when not in use, we would cut their CO2 impact by 8.3 million tons a year, or 50%.
CO2 amounts measured in metric tons
*The British Thermal Unit (BTU) is used to measure the energy content of fuels and the power of heating and cooling systems. One kilowatt-hour of electricity is equivalent to 3,412 BTU.
Source:"Saving Energy; It Starts At Home" by Peter Miller, National Geographic, March 2009
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