From early cave dwellings to the well-appointed sub-urban homes of today, the most fundamental reason for shelter remains to provide protection from weather and other possible dangers. Beyond this most basic purpose, modern culture has forged a number of other expectations for homes, including affordability, comfort, health, durability, and peace of mind. This article explains the concepts behind energy-efficient homes—how they meet our basic needs and expectations; gives an overview of the history of energy-efficient innovations in American housing; and provides projections for the future.

Historical Development

The history of energy technology in homes from the turn of the twentieth century until the 1970s is dominated by developments that contributed to energy consumption, including modern heating and cooling systems and the proliferation of appliances and lighting systems. The trend to increased energy efficiency began after World War II with the development of...