News > 5 Facts to Increase Your Energy Awareness

5 Facts to Increase Your Energy Awareness

• Solar United Neighbors

October 16, 2025

• Tayler Butters

While electricity has become standard across the U.S., it is a relatively new development that has only been widely available in homes since the 1940s. Over the last century, using energy to power our homes has become a basic need — from refrigerating food to keeping our home temperature regulated throughout the seasons to powering devices. October is Energy Awareness Month, and it is important to be conscious of the role energy plays in our day-to-day lives to ensure we consume energy efficiently, reduce emissions, and save money on our electric bill.

1. What is consuming the most energy in your household?

Heating and cooling homes contributes to 52% of the average household’s energy consumption, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Water heating, lighting, and refrigeration accounted for 25% of usage while the remaining 23% was allocated to electronics, washers, and dryers. However, per capita energy consumption has been decreasing since the 1970s thanks to advancements with building insulation and energy-efficient appliances, devices, and vehicles. 

2. Vampire energy is driving up your electricity bill

Vampire energy is energy used to power devices or appliances that are not actively being used. The Department of Energy estimates that vampire energy accounts for between five and 10 percent of energy consumption, costing households up to $100 a year. Even when turned off, devices like TVs, airfryers, and computers still consume energy just from being plugged in. To prevent wasting energy, unplug devices or use a power strip to switch off devices when not in use. 

3. Renewable energy production has quadrupled over the last decade 

Even with recent attacks on solar, the future of renewable energy is bright. Clean energy such as solar and wind power produced 50.8% of electricity in the US, meaning that, for the first time ever, fossil fuels produced less than half of the nation’s electricity. In 2015, fossil fuels produced 65% of the U.S.’s energy. Renewable energy’s growth is a hopeful one which allows for clean, reliable energy production and for consumers to take power back from utility companies. Learn more about the importance of going solar. 

4. Not only does going solar save you money on your electricity bill — it can also make you money 

Installing solar panels allows households to produce their own electricity instead of relying on a utility company. This results in lower electricity bills, and households that produce an excess of electricity can be compensated for their production. This is through a policy called net metering, which contributes to making solar a cost-effective option. Net metering policies vary by state. Read more about net metering in your state.

5. You can perform a home energy assessment

To understand your households energy usage, areas of energy inefficiency, and how to reduce your energy consumption, you can conduct a home energy assessment. These assessments, also known as energy home audits, are typically performed by a professional, but they can also be performed by homeowners by sealing air leaks, inspecting heating and cooling equipment, and checking insulation levels. Learn more about professional and self-conducted home energy assessments. 

To learn more about how going solar can make your home more energy efficient, resilient, and affordable, check out our Go Solar Guide or contact our free Solar Help Desk.