The U.S. Department of Energy has determined that about 80% of residential energy use is consumed in single-family homes, while 15% is consumed in multifamily dwellings such as apartments, and 5% is consumed in mobile homes.
More than half of the energy used for heating in building and home for single-family homes is natural gas, about one-fourth is electricity, and one-tenth is fuel oil (heating oil). Over three-fourths of single-family homes have some type of air-conditioning. Almost all single-family homes have a washing machine and a dryer; and more than half own a personal computer, further emphasizing the importance of energy resources.
Multifamily dwellings, such as apartments and condominiums, use about equal amounts of natural gas and electricity for heating. About two-thirds of multifamily homes have air-conditioning but only about one-fourth contain washers and dryers.
Mobile homes are more likely than the other types of homes to heat with propane (LPG). More than one-third of mobile homes use electricity and about one-third use natural gas for heating. Most mobile homes also contain washing machines and dryers.
