Top 31 Energy-Efficiency Home Statistics of 2023

Homeowners and prospective buyers have been increasingly interested in green homes and energy-efficiency features, according to members of the National Association of Realtors surveyed in 2023. Energy-efficient homes use new technology and eco-friendly practices that offer a variety of benefits, including reduced utility bills and a smaller carbon footprint.

We’ve compiled a list of the top energy-efficient home statistics to gain a deeper understanding of the importance of these trends.

Homebuyers have placed an increasing focus on green-home features in recent years. To provide insight into the significance of energy-efficient homes, here are some statistics highlighting why homeowners seek sustainable home features:

• The most important environmental feature for recent homebuyers is heating and cooling costs, with 31% agreeing this feature is very important, according to a 2023 report.¹
• Having sustainable windows, doors, and siding installed was the second most important eco-friendly feature, with 28% of recent homebuyers deeming these features to be very important.¹
• A 2023 survey showed 63% of agents and brokers reported that energy-efficient promotion in listings was valuable.²
• Nearly half (48%) of agents and brokers said clients were at least somewhat interested in sustainability, based on a 2023 survey.²
• Roughly 20% of greenhouse gas emissions in the U.S. can be attributed to residential energy consumption, according to 2020 data.³
• Residential homes contribute to over 20% of total U.S. energy consumption.⁴
• On average, LEED-certified homes (those designed to clean indoor air, have ample natural light, and are made from sustainable and safe materials) demonstrate energy savings of 20% to 30% compared to nongreen homes.⁵
• LEED homes use less energy and water than traditional homes and can save homeowners up to 60% in utility costs.⁵
• Forty percent of the total energy used in the U.S. is used by residential and commercial buildings.⁶

By installing energy-efficient windows, homeowners can enjoy several benefits, including cost savings, UV ray protection, decreased noise, and reduced energy usage, ultimately reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 

• The average American could save $200 to $400 per year in energy costs by properly sealing windows and doors to avoid drafts and by updating heating and cooling systems, according to data from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).⁶
• Typical homes can save up to $583 per year by replacing single-pane windows with energy-efficient ones, according to data from Energy Star.⁷
• Replacing double-pane, clear glass windows can save up to 2,001 pounds of carbon dioxide on average, according to data from Energy Star.⁷
• Energy waste from inefficient windows costs the U.S. an estimated $50 billion per year as of 2019.⁸
• At least a quarter of heating and cooling energy use is wasted through windows, according to the DOE.⁹

The benefits of efficient home appliances include energy savings, sustainability, enhanced performance, and financial incentives. Investing in energy-efficiency appliances can help homeowners enjoy various benefits while contributing to a sustainable future. The following statistics outline the most recent data available from the U.S. Department of Energy:

• An Energy Star-certified dishwasher of standard size can save you about 3,800 gallons of water over its lifetime compared to a standard dishwasher.¹⁰
• Over its 12-year lifetime, new Energy Star-certified refrigerators can save you more than $220 compared to a standard refrigerator.11
• Compared to regular clothes washers, Energy Star-certified washers use about 20% less energy.¹²
• Americans could save more than $1.5 billion in annual utility expenses if all clothes dryers sold in the U.S. were Energy Star-certified.¹³

Energy-efficient heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are crucial in managing energy consumption. Small adjustments can significantly impact your home’s energy efficiency and the environment. 

• Upgrading to higher efficiency heating and cooling equipment can reduce half of your energy use (depending on your region), according to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.¹⁴
• Energy Star-certified HVAC equipment can generate energy bill savings from 10% to 30%, according to the Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy.¹⁴
• Turning your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit for eight hours a day saves you as much as 10% on heating and cooling annually, according to the DOE.¹⁵
• The U.S. smart-thermostat market hit 1.27 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach $3.86 billion by 2029, according to a 2023 report.¹⁶

Embracing solar power by installing rooftop solar panels allows homeowners to reduce their dependence on traditional energy sources and generate their own electricity. Over the years, residential solar installations have become more affordable and offer money-saving incentives, such as the federal residential solar tax credit.

• Solar power made up 50% of the newly added electricity-generating capacity to the U.S. power grid in 2022.¹⁷
• The 2023 residential solar market is forecast to grow by 7%.¹⁷
• Roughly 700,000 homeowners installed solar in 2022, a record high.¹⁷
• The residential solar market grew 40% from 2021 to 2022.¹⁷
• Five states generated more than 15% of their electricity from solar power in 2022: California, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Vermont.¹⁸
• California generates most of its electricity from solar power compared to other states at 27.3%. Nevada comes in second at 23.3%.¹⁸

LED light bulbs are highly efficient lighting solutions that offer energy savings, longer life spans, and reduced environmental impact. Their efficiency makes them an excellent choice for residential use, providing sustainable lighting and reducing energy consumption. 

• By switching to LED lighting, the average household can save around $225 in energy costs per year, according to 2021 data.¹⁹
• When compared to incandescent lighting, residential LEDs (predominantly Energy Star-rated products) use at least 75% less energy.²⁰
• Energy Star-certified LED lighting lasts 35 to 50 times longer than incandescent lighting.²¹

By adopting energy-efficient practices and technologies into their homes, homeowners can help positively impact the environment while saving money. The rising popularity of energy-efficient homes reflects a change in homeowners’ mindsets toward sustainable living and understanding its long-term benefits.

1. Copyright ©2023. “2023 Home Buyers and Sellers Generational Trends Report.” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. 2023. https://cdn.nar.realtor/sites/default/files/documents/2023-home-buyers-and-sellers-generational-trends-report-03-28-2023.pdf 
2. Copyright ©2023. “2023 REALTORS & Sustainability Report – Residential.” NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®. All rights reserved. Reprinted with permission. https://cdn.nar.realtor//sites/default/files/documents/2023-realtors-and-sustainability-residential-05-03-2023.pdf 
3. “The Carbon Footprint of Household Energy Use in the United States.” Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America. July 20, 2020. https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1922205117 
4. “Energy Data Facts.” Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. https://rpsc.energy.gov/energy-data-facts 
5. “LEED Certification for Residential.” U.S. Green Building Council. https://www.usgbc.org/leed/rating-systems/residential 
6. “Why Energy Efficiency Upgrades.” Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. https://www.energy.gov/eere/why-energy-efficiency-upgrades 
7. “Residential Windows, Doors & Skylights.” ENERGY STAR. n.d. https://www.energystar.gov/products/res_windows_doors_skylights
8. “How Windows Can Remake the Power Grid.” EPRI Journal. June 20, 2019. https://eprijournal.com/how-windows-can-remake-the-power-grid 
9. “Update or Replace Windows.” U.S. Department of Energy. n.d. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/update-or-replace-windows 
10. “Dishwashers.” ENERGY STAR. n.d. https://www.energystar.gov/products/dishwashers 
11. “Purchasing and Maintaining Refrigerators and Freezers.” U.S. Department of Energy. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/purchasing-and-maintaining-refrigerators-and-freezers 
12. “Clothes Washers.” ENERGY STAR. n.d. https://www.energystar.gov/products/clothes_washers
13. “Clothes Dryers.” ENERGY STAR. n.d. https://www.energystar.gov/products/clothes_dryers 
14. “Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC).” Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy. n.d. https://rpsc.energy.gov/tech-solutions/hvac 
15. “Programmable Thermostats.” U.S. Department of Energy. n.d. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/programmable-thermostats 
16. “U.S. Smart Thermostat Market Size, & Share COVID-19 Impact Analysis, By Product, By Technology, By Application, and Country Forecast, 2022-2029.” Fortune Business Insights. February, 2023. https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/u-s-smart-thermostat-market-106393 
17. “Solar Market Insight Report 2022 Year in Review.” Solar Energy Industries Association. March 9, 2023. https://www.seia.org/research-resources/solar-market-insight-report-2022-year-review 
18. “Spring 2023 Solar Industry Update.” National Renewable Energy Laboratory. April 27, 2023. https://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy23osti/86215.pdf 
19. “Lighting Choices to Save Your Money.” U.S. Department of Energy. n.d. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/lighting-choices-save-you-money
20. “LED Lighting.” U.S. Department of Energy. n.d. https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/led-lighting 
21. “Why Choose ENERGY STAR Qualified LED Lighting?” ENERGY STAR. n.d. https://www.energystar.gov/products/lighting_fans/light_fixtures/why_choose_energy_star_qualified_led_lighting

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