Getting to a Source of Residential Energy Efficiency: Heating and Cooling Degree Days
An aspect of energy use that should not be overlooked is the amount of energy used on heating and cooling days within the state. The amount of BTU's per heating degree day are highlighted in this site for what they can tell us about how Rhode Island residents heat their homes. In fact, the amount of BTU's consumed per heating degree day has increased 28% from 1980-1997. The following graph details residential sector energy use in million Btu's per annual heating degree day per capita from 1980-1997. The information for the graph combines US Census data and information from Jonathan Dyer and his master's thesis research. Again, by examining energy use in terms of per capita data it becomes clear that residential energy use is increasing.
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Residential Sector Million BTU/ Heating Degree Day
per Capita 1980-1997
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| Click Here for a larger version |
The EIA predicts that this winter's heating degree days will be 10% above last year. What does this mean for Rhode Island residents and what can this graph tell us about that increase in heating degree days? A general inference can be made from this graph; Rhode Islanders will consume energy to heat our homes and the level of consumption can correlate to the number of heating or cooling degree days. As seen from the graph, the general trend Btu's consumed on known heating degree days is increasing. Granted, some of these increases can be attributed to years with particularity cool winters. However, the trend line cannot totally be explained by weather patterns. Residential Btu consumption may also be rising due to increased square footage within homes or that Rhode Island residents are just consuming more energy without regard to conservation issues.
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| Photo: Sara Farra, A high efficiency heating, ventilation and air conditioning system used in apartment buildings 6/25/96 |
Perhaps there is a way to conserve energy by focusing on the amount of energy used on known heating or cooling days. As part of all past energy policy recommendations (including the 1997 state energy plan) there is a section or goal that focuses on educating the consumer. It would be possible to work with the State Energy Office to determine ways to promote energy conservation in terms of heating and cooling days. For those consumers who are more willing to put in extra time and money to reduce the amount of energy used on heating and cooling days there are home renovation and landscaping projects that capitalize on such issues. The public utilities would do well to continue making information available on home renovation or landscaping projects for consumers. In addition, installing high efficiency heater-air conditioner and ventilation units like the one in the picture to the left would be advantages for some of the large multifamily homes or apartment building in Providence.
For More Information:
Background Information on Heating and Cooling Degree Days
Sources:
Dyer, Jonathan. Master's Thesis Research. " Rhode Island Greenhouse Gas Emissions Predictions for 2010." Personal Communication. 10/23/00; 1/25/01.
Energy Information Administration. http://www.eia.doe.gov. 11/20/00
MTCE Increases in the Residential Sector
Heating and Cooling Days in the State
Types of Energy Available to Rhode Island Residents and Consumption Trends
Rhode Islanders Should Expect a Price Shock This Winter
How Does Rhode Island Compare to Other States?
RI Indicators Home Page / Energy Home Page