Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS)

Overview
Data

Analysis & Projections

What’s New in How We Use Energy at Home

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Surveys
Air conditioning and other appliances increase residential electricity use in the summer

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Surveys
U.S. households' heating equipment choices are diverse and vary by climate region

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Surveys
Average number of televisions in U.S. homes declining

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Residential Energy Consumption Surveys
Timeline of EIA's 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS)

Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration

Methodology

2015 Technical Documentation Summary

RECS is a multi-year effort consisting of a Household Survey phase, data collection from household energy suppliers, and end-use consumption and expenditures estimation.

An Assessment of Interval Data and Their Potential Application to Residential Electricity End-Use Modeling

The Energy Information Administration (EIA) is investigating the potential benefits of incorporating interval electricity data into its residential energy end use models.

How does EIA estimate energy consumption and end uses in U.S. homes?

EIA administers the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) to a nationally representative sample of housing units. Specially trained interviewers collect energy characteristics on the housing unit, usage patterns, and household demographics.

End-use model methodology FAQs

An overview of questions on how end-use models and equations disaggregate household total fuel consumption.

Where does RECS square footage data come from?

The size of a home is a fixed characteristic strongly associated with the amount of energy consumed within it, particularly for space heating, air conditioning, lighting, and other appliances.

An Assessment of EIA's Building Consumption Data

The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) routinely uses feedback from customers and outside experts to help improve its programs and products.

Features

U.S. households' heating equipment choices are diverse and vary by climate region

Release Date: April 6, 2017

Data from the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) show that the majority of American households use one of three types of equipment as their main source of heat during the winter: natural gas furnaces, electric furnaces, or electric heat pumps. The range of equipment and fuels, however, varies across and within U.S. climate regions.

Average number of televisions in U.S. homes declining

Release Date: February 28, 2017

Results from the U.S Energy Information Administration’s most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) show that an average of 2.3 televisions were used in American homes in 2015, down from an average of 2.6 televisions per household in 2009.

Heating and cooling no longer majority of U.S. home energy use

Release Date: March 7, 2013

For decades, space heating and cooling (space conditioning) accounted for more than half of all residential energy consumption. Estimates from the most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS), show that 48% of energy consumption in U.S. homes in 2009 was for heating and cooling, down from 58% in 1993.

Newer U.S. homes are 30% larger but consume about as much energy as old

Release Date: February 12, 2013

Analysis from EIA's most recent Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS) shows that U.S. homes built in 2000 and later consume only 2% more energy on average than homes built prior to 2000, despite being on average 30% larger.

RECS data show decreased energy consumption per household

Release Date: June 6, 2012

Total United States energy consumption in homes has remained relatively stable for many years as increased energy efficiency has offset the increase in the number and average size of housing units, according to the from the Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS).