1. What is the difference between energy efficiency and energy conservation?

Energy conservation and efficiency may be related, but they have distinct definitions in the energy world. Energy conservation involves using less energy by adjusting your behaviors and habits. Energy efficiency, on the other hand, involves using technology that requires less energy to perform the same function.

Energy efficiency is "using less energy to provide the same service."

The best way to understand this idea is through examples:

When you replace a single pane window in your house with an energy-efficient one, the new window prevents heat from escaping in the winter, so you save energy by using your furnace or electric heater less while still staying comfortable. In the summer, efficient windows keep the heat out, so the air conditioner does not run as often and you save electricity.

When you replace an appliance, such as a refrigerator or clothes washer, or office equipment, such as a computer or printer, with a more energy-efficient model, the new equipment provides the same service but uses less energy. This saves you money on your energy bill.

Energy efficiency is not energy conservation.

Energy conservation is reducing or going without a service to save energy. For example:

Turning off a light.

Replacing an incandescent lamp with a compact fluorescent lamp, which uses much less energy to produce the same amount of light.