What Energy Goes into Our Homes

In honor of the 42nd anniversary of Earth Day, observed every April 22, U.S. Census figures look at how we heat and cool our homes. Earth Day is intended to inspire awareness and appreciation for the Earth’s natural environment. The day came from reaction to a massive oil spill in waters near Santa Barbara, CA, in 1969. Earth Day, always April 22, has developed into Earth Week, April 16-22.

Heating with Wood

Less than 2 percent—2.2 million—of occupied housing units across the country were heated by wood in 2010.

Heated by Solar Energy

The estimated number of occupied housing units across the country heated by solar energy in 2010 was 38,010.

‘Cooking’ with Gas

About half of all homes in the country—57 million—are estimated number of occupied housing units that were heated by utility gas in 2010.

Keeping it Cool

An estimated 88 percent of newly built single-family homes across the country had air-conditioning in 2010. In 1974, 48 percent of new homes were built with air-conditioning.

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