Master the Certified Energy Auditor Exam 2026 – Power Up Your Energy Audit Skills!

Residential buildings in the U.S. account for approximately 20% of the total energy consumption in the country. This percentage encompasses the energy used for heating, cooling, lighting, appliances, and other electrical uses within homes. Understanding this statistic is crucial for energy auditors because it highlights the significant impact that residential buildings have on overall energy consumption and the potential for energy efficiency improvements.

Many energy efficiency programs and policies target residential buildings as they present an opportunity for substantial energy savings. By improving insulation, upgrading HVAC systems, using energy-efficient appliances, and incorporating renewable energy sources, residential buildings can significantly reduce their energy footprint, which is critical for addressing broader energy and environmental goals.

In contrast, the other percentage options reflect lower amounts of energy consumption that do not accurately represent the impact of residential buildings in the total energy landscape of the U.S. This statistic underscores the need for energy auditors to focus on residential buildings when assessing energy usage and identifying areas for improvement.