Two identical homes can have very different energy use because of the number of occupants living in them.  In fact, a six person household typically uses 20% more energy than a three person household.

    Reasons for this include:

• Hot water use is directly related to the number of occupants;

• Number of clothes washer and dryer loads is proportional to the number of people in the home;

• More occupants tend to use more lights at one time;

• Unoccupied, spare rooms may not be heated or cooled in a home with fewer occupants;

• Cooking appliances and other miscellaneous items get more use when there are more people in the home.