As of 2021, generating electricity was responsible for about a quarter of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, trailing only transportation. A fast-growing alternative, clean energy aims to eliminate those emissions entirely.
Instead of burning fossil fuels such as coal and natural gas, clean energy draws on renewable resources like sunlight, wind and moving water.
Try these practical ways to make more sustainable energy choices at home.
Power your home with renewable energy
- Solar energy: Sunlight is the most plentiful and the cleanest energy resource there is. Solar systems turn it into electricity either with photovoltaic panels or with mirrors that focus the sun's rays, and that energy can provide electricity, heat, lighting and much more.
- Green energy plans: Most retail electric providers offer a plan that is 100% renewable.
Choose energy-efficient appliances
When it is time to replace an older washing machine, dishwasher or similar appliance, pick an energy-efficient model.
- Energy Star: This federal program makes it easier to find efficient products for your home, from refrigerators to thermostats. Products that carry the Energy Star label meet efficiency requirements set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and save both energy and money.
- Energy Saver: This U.S. Department of Energy resource covers home comfort, weatherization, efficient home design, renewables and electricity. It also offers a virtual walk-through of an efficient house that points out where you can cut energy use and costs.
Switch to LED lighting
- LED bulbs use at least 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs, and they may last as much as 25 times longer than incandescent or CFL lighting.
- Because LEDs give off very little heat, they can help lower cooling costs.
- LEDs come in a wide range of colors, and their light quality stays consistent over time.
- The Department of Energy's lighting guide explains LED options and color choices in more detail.
Get a home energy assessment
An energy assessment, sometimes called an energy audit, shows how your home uses energy, where it is wasted and which improvements would save the most. You can hire a professional auditor, who should hold industry-recognized credentials, or do the assessment yourself. Some improvements identified this way may qualify for the federal Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit.
- The Department of Energy publishes a do-it-yourself guide to assessing your home's energy use.
- The IRS explains who qualifies for the Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and how to claim it.
More resources
- Energy Star's pages for kids offer fun, educational activities that teach young children how to be kinder to the environment.
- The Department of Energy also offers a collection of energy-saving tips for homeowners.
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