Energy efficiency, often called the Fifth Fuel, refers to products or systems using less energy to do the same or better job than conventional products or systems. It’s a way of managing and restraining the growth in energy consumption. Something is more energy efficient if it delivers more services for the same energy input, or the same services for less energy input.In today’s world, there are many efficient products, homes, and buildings.

Energy efficiency is different from energy conservation. Being energy efficient means doing the same amount of work while using less energy. Turning off a light is energy conservation. Both efficiency and conservation use less energy and can reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Examples of energy efficiency energy are:

• Replacing an incandescent lamp with a compact fluorescent lamp (CFL) is energy efficiency. CFLs use much less energy to produce the same amount of light as an incandescent lamp and LEDs use even less than CFLs. LEDs will us about 80% less energy to produce the same amount of light or lumens.
• An energy efficient washing machine provides the same service, laundry, but at a lower rate of energy consumption.
• A well-insulated house is more energy efficient because less heat escapes and therefore less heat needs to be used to maintain a comfortable living environment.

The RESNET (Residential Energy Services Network) HERS (Home Energy Rating System) Index Score – The Lower the Better!

The RESNET HERS Index is the industry standard by which a home’s energy efficiency is measured. The HERS or Home Energy Rating System was developed by RESNET and is the nationally recognized system for inspecting and calculating a home’s energy performance. Certified RESNET Home Energy Raters conduct inspections to verify a home’s energy performance and determine what improvements can be made to increase it

Homes with lower HERS Index scores cost less to run, provide better home comfort and enjoy higher resale values. Here’s an interactive explanation of how it works.

Energy Improvements Are Now – More Affordable than Ever!

From energy mortgages to residential energy tax credits, learn about all the financial benefits you can take advantage of when you decide to make your home more energy efficient.

Building Performance (to further go down the Energy Efficiency rabbit hole in regard to your buildings performance, check out what Wikipedia has to offer which has additional details, references and external links.

SPEER, the newest regional energy efficiency organization, aims to accelerate the adoption of advanced building systems and energy efficient products and services in Texas and Oklahoma.  These two states include nearly 30 million people and many of the fastest growing cities in America. There is a tremendous opportunity to increase energy efficiency in the region through building codes, retrofits for existing buildings, better training, innovative policies, and cooperative marketing to make it easier for the public to understand efficiency opportunities.

CPS Energy has a great list of ways to reduce your use, from free steps to take and smart purchases to great investments for long-term savings (you may be required to be logged into your CPS account).