Level 2: Module 4
Energy Burden
Energy burden is the percentage of gross household income spent on energy costs like electricity, natural gas, and other home heating fuels. Nationally, lower-income households and minority communities are disproportionately impacted by outsized energy burdens.
Higher energy burdens can have real implications on the health and well-being of families and individuals, sometimes causing families to choose between heating and cooling their homes or affording other necessities, such as food, medicine, and childcare.
Efficient vs. Wasteful Air Conditioners
Due to energy burdens and lack of extra funds, lower-income households can't always upgrade to efficient air conditioning systems. Inefficient units waste energy, cost more to operate, and contribute to greenhouse gas emissions. Efficient air conditioners use less energy to produce the same amount of cooling as less efficient models, resulting in lower energy bills and a smaller environmental impact.
What are some of the factors that affect the efficiency of air conditioners?
- Energy Rating: If your system has a lower rating, it consumes MORE energy to produce the same cooling capacity as other, more efficient systems. While the most efficient air conditioning models reach a SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio) of at least 26, a good rating is considered to be 16 or higher.
- Older Technology: Older units with single-stage compressors tend to be less efficient.
- Poor Insulation and Leaks: Inefficient air conditioners struggle to maintain the temperature in poorly insulated homes, leading to increased energy usage.
- Lack of Maintenance: Neglecting maintenance can further reduce efficiency and lifespan.
Want to learn more about how to lower your energy use, save money, and improve the comfort of your home? Check out the All-In Home Energy Efficiency Guide for simple, low- or no-cost strategies tailored to Nevada's climate and housing stock.
