Master the Certified Energy Auditor Exam 2025 – Power Up Your Energy Audit Skills!

The primary consumer of energy in homes is heating water. This is largely due to the fact that a significant portion of residential energy use is dedicated to heating water for various purposes, such as bathing, cooking, cleaning, and space heating. In many regions, especially in colder climates, the demand for hot water can exceed the demand for heating air, making it a major contributor to overall energy consumption.

Heating water typically uses either natural gas or electricity, and in many homes, water heaters operate continuously to maintain a ready supply of hot water. This consistent and high demand for heated water can account for a considerable percentage of a home’s energy bills, often ranking water heating as the second largest energy expense, just after space heating.

While other energy consumers, such as heating air, cooling systems, and lighting also contribute to overall energy consumption, they generally do not match the combined demand for heated water in typical residential settings. Thus, in most cases, the energy devoted to heating water stands out as the primary consumer in homes.