How Much Electricity is Used in the United States for Air Conditioning?
Air conditioning causes the largest consumption of electricity in U.S homes and commercial properties. According to the recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey, 2020, 88% of the U.S. households use air conditioning as their primary home cooling solution. Two-thirds of the AC users have a central heat pump or central AC as their primary AC equipment.
The Growing Demand for Air Conditioning
Air conditioners have a growing popularity because of the comfort they provide to homes and businesses in hot climates. While air conditioner demand has grown rapidly due to urbanization and rising temperatures, its popularity has caused a surge in electricity demand, especially during the summer, and have contributed to homeowners paying higher electric bills.
According to the CBECS (Commercial Buildings Energy Consumption Survey), 2018, electricity consumption for cooling amounted to 14% of the total electricity consumption in commercial properties.
Key Highlights Regarding the Electricity Consumption Trends of Air Conditioning
● Growth in energy demand: In 2023, air conditioning accounted for 12% of the total residential consumption of electricity, which is projected to rise to 20% by 2040 because of population growth and climate change.
● Peak electricity demand: During heat waves, the use of air conditioners peaks, which significantly increases the electricity demand.
● Technological advancement in electrical efficiency: Modern ACs have smart thermostats and variable speed compressors that allow a 30% reduction in energy consumption.
● Sustainable cooling solutions: Evolving technologies like the smart grid integration can reduce the environmental impact of AC usage.
● Government policies and incentives: Government policies promote energy efficiency standards, high SEER ratings, and offer financial incentives to improve the energy efficiency of the ACs.
Air Conditioners Vs. Whole House Fans
Whole-house fans and air conditioning offer different approaches to home cooling solutions.
Air conditioning offers cooling solutions by pulling warm air from a room and passing it through cold evaporator coils filled with a refrigerant, which absorbs the heat. The cooled air is circulated back into the room. They are, however expensive to operate.
Unlike air conditioners, whole-house fans offer a more energy-efficient way to cool your home. They work by drawing in the cool outside air while pushing out hot, stale indoor air.
A whole house fan can help you enjoy a more sustainable home cooling solution while saving on your utility bills. To know more about how a whole house fan can keep you comfortable in the summer, contact us here at WholeHouseFan.com at 1-661-775-5979.