Television use falls in American homes

The average number of TVs used in U.S. homes fell 11% to 2.3 per household in 2015, from 2.6 in 2009, according to the Residential Energy Consumption Survey.

The survey, which was released Monday (Feb. 27) by the U.S. Energy Information Administration, showed that the number of homes with three or more TVs fell, and more homes reported not using TV at all, compared to the 2009 survey. Survey data was collected on more than 200 energy-related items from more than 5,600 households. This survey marked the first time data was collected online and by mail; however, the majority (43%) of data collection was completed in person.

The data, which was separated by age group, shows younger households have fewer TVs per person and more portable computers and smart phones. Older households have more desktop computers. Along with electronics, the survey also includes “information on heating, air conditioning, appliances, water heating, structural features and lighting,” according to the EIA. The 2015 survey was the first to include information about tablets, smart thermostats and LED lighting.

The following are some of the other findings in the survey:

• 70 million homes (59%) have double or triple-pane windows
• Homeowners are more likely than renters to have LED lightbulbs
• The number of homes that use fuel oil for heating has fallen 23% since 2005
• Households using central air conditioning has risen 17% to 77 million in 2015, since 2005
• More than 50% all households have a programmable thermostat