Most consumption of electricity and natural gas is used for:

Heating and cooling account for the majority of electricity and natural gas consumption in residential and commercial buildings. This is primarily due to the demand for climate control—maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures during varying weather conditions. Heating systems often rely on natural gas or electricity to function, while air conditioning systems predominantly use electricity to remove heat and humidity from indoor spaces.

In many cases, especially in colder climates, the heating load can significantly exceed the demands placed on cooking, lighting, or other appliances. Therefore, heating and cooling systems contribute to a substantial portion of energy usage, making them critical focal points for energy efficiency efforts in HVAC design and operation. This is why understanding the energy consumption patterns related to heating and cooling is essential for both HVAC professionals and end-users aiming to optimize performance and reduce energy costs.