There is no doubt that energy is one of the most expensive household costs with an average family spending at least $2,000 per year on utilities. In 2022, the average consumer spent another $3,120 on motor fuel and oil. According to the Department of Energy, utility costs could be reduced by as much as 25 percent by utilizing energy-efficient measures in your home. You could also save $950 every year by driving a fuel-efficient vehicle. Great strides have already been taken to increase energy efficiency. A study of auto and home efficiency was completed that gauges the impact of doing more with less energy. Alaska and Hawaii were excluded from the report due to data limitations. Utah was ranked number 1 overall. You can find information about your home state by viewing the chart below.
Overall Rank | State | Total Score | Home Energy Efficiency | Auto Energy Efficiency |
1 | Utah | 87.58 | 1 | 7 |
2 | Massachusetts | 85.86 | 8 | 1 |
3 | Vermont | 85.06 | 3 | 6 |
4 | New York | 82.93 | 4 | 10 |
5 | Rhode Island | 81.46 | 7 | 4 |
6 | Minnesota | 81.27 | 2 | 21 |
7 | California | 80.98 | 10 | 3 |
8 | Colorado | 79.50 | 5 | 14 |
9 | Wisconsin | 77.16 | 6 | 17 |
10 | Washington | 72.69 | 17 | 8 |
11 | New Jersey | 71.08 | 19 | 12 |
12 | Illinois | 70.96 | 18 | 13 |
13 | Connecticut | 70.96 | 20 | 11 |
14 | New Hampshire | 70.57 | 11 | 31 |
15 | Maine | 70.16 | 14 | 28 |
16 | Maryland | 69.57 | 27 | 5 |
17 | Nevada | 69.50 | 15 | 24 |
18 | Michigan | 69.02 | 22 | 18 |
19 | Pennsylvania | 68.23 | 24 | 19 |
20 | Oregon | 67.17 | 26 | 22 |
21 | Ohio | 64.22 | 29 | 20 |
22 | Florida | 62.07 | 35 | 2 |
23 | Arizona | 61.90 | 31 | 16 |
24 | Idaho | 61.36 | 16 | 36 |
25 | Iowa | 61.01 | 12 | 44 |
26 | Kansas | 60.60 | 30 | 26 |
27 | South Dakota | 58.26 | 9 | 46 |
28 | Indiana | 57.47 | 32 | 30 |
29 | Delaware | 56.63 | 34 | 23 |
30 | Montana | 56.28 | 23 | 42 |
31 | North Dakota | 56.20 | 13 | 47 |
32 | New Mexico | 54.69 | 25 | 43 |
33 | Nebraska | 53.81 | 28 | 40 |
34 | Virginia | 52.22 | 33 | 32 |
35 | Missouri | 50.48 | 37 | 29 |
36 | North Carolina | 48.76 | 41 | 15 |
37 | Kentucky | 44.99 | 38 | 33 |
38 | Georgia | 44.46 | 46 | 9 |
39 | Wyoming | 44.26 | 21 | 48 |
40 | Texas | 43.27 | 36 | 41 |
41 | Oklahoma | 41 | 39 | 37 |
42 | Tennessee | 39.65 | 45 | 27 |
43 | Louisiana | 39.63 | 47 | 25 |
44 | Arkansas | 39.57 | 42 | 34 |
45 | Mississippi | 37.36 | 40 | 39 |
46 | Alabama | 34.37 | 44 | 35 |
47 | West Virginia | 31.03 | 43 | 45 |
48 | South Carolina | 24.24 | 48 | 38 |
It is possible to protect the planet and one’s wallet by adopting environmental-conscious practices. Several experts explained how to reduce consumption and maximize savings. Below are their responses to frequently asked questions:
- What energy efficient products for the home offer the best ROI?
- LED lighting, caulking, weather stripping, programmable/smart thermostats and plugs, efficient appliances, and installing insulation.
- What is the biggest mistake consumers make when trying to make their homes more energy efficient?
- That you have to buy fancy, pricey, energy efficient products instead of focusing on how to minimize the environmental impact so as not to create future problems.
- What are some tips for consumers to become more energy efficient, especially if they work from home?
- Turn off what you do not use, exploit natural lighting as much as possible, and use smart power strips.
- Should the government continue to incentivize consumers and businesses to invest in energy-efficient projects?
- Yes, so we can keep making progress on energy transitions from oil and gas, to electricity in order to create a stable, healthy future.
- What tips can you provide for building an energy-efficient home on a budget?
- Build your home to current energy codes, not just the minimum of what your state requires. Set up an energy audit with an accredited Home Energy Rating company. Design a home that takes advantage of your climate.
In following the expert’s advice, you will be able to lower your energy costs and improve your health and comfort.
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