Awareness of average household electricity consumption is fundamental as we shift towards sustainable energy solutions. Various factors determine a home’s power use. Elements such as residents’ habits, the number of occupants, home design, geographical setting, and other variables play a significant role in determining energy usage. The average home uses 886 kWh of energy per month which is approximately $121/month (for the United States).
Continue reading for insights into typical household energy consumption. It will empower you to understand and manage your electricity costs more effectively.
Which Appliances Use the Most Energy
1. Heating and Cooling Use 45-50% of Household Electricity
Your heating and cooling appliances take the lead as the biggest electricity consumers in your home, by a significant margin. Central air conditioners and heaters work hard to maintain your home’s desired temperature, consuming a vast amount of energy. While the actual energy use might tilt towards heating or cooling depending on your preference, heating typically dominates, making up over 25% of your yearly electricity consumption.
2. Electric Water Heaters: The Second Largest Energy Consumer at 12%
If your home uses an electric water heater, it likely ranks as the second-largest energy guzzler. Activities like taking showers, washing dishes, using sinks, and doing laundry all demand hot water, collectively making water heaters major energy consumers every month.
3. Lighting Accounts for 9-12% of Electricity Use
Thanks to advancements in technology, lightbulbs, especially LEDs, have become much more energy-efficient than older models like CFLs and incandescent bulbs. LEDs not only use less energy but also last longer, reducing waste and operating costs. Despite these improvements, lighting still represents a significant chunk of your monthly electricity bill due to frequent use.
4. Refrigerators Consume 8% of Energy
Your refrigerator may not use much energy on an hourly basis, but its constant operation adds up, accounting for a substantial part of your electricity use.
5. Laundry Machines: 5% of Electricity Use
How much energy your washer and dryer use each month depends on how often you do laundry. However, running these appliances, particularly with hot water, consumes a considerable amount of electricity, averaging about 5% of your annual energy use.
6. Electric Ovens Use 3% of Household Electricity
Cooking can be energy-intensive, especially with an electric oven and cooktop. On average, these appliances are responsible for about 3% of your electricity use each month.
7. Dishwashers: 2% of Electricity Consumption
Your dishwasher is relatively energy-efficient, typically accounting for about 2% of your monthly electricity use.
8. TV and Cable Boxes Consume 2% of Electricity
Modern TVs and cable boxes are quite energy-efficient. However, they often remain on standby even when not in use, leading to unnecessary energy consumption. As a result, they end up using about 2% of your monthly electricity.
Energy Conservation Tips
With the ever-increasing cost of living and electricity bills, here are suggestions to help you save on energy:
1. Smart Appliances Can Significantly Reduce Electricity Usage
Invest in smart appliances to monitor and manage your electricity usage efficiently. These intelligent devices can automatically shut off your appliances when they’re not in use, helping you save a considerable amount of electricity. If you’re looking to reduce your electricity bills without the hassle of manually turning off each appliance, consider smart outlets and appliances, such as thermostats, that take care of monitoring your energy consumption for you.
2. Use Major Appliances When Electricity Demand is Low
Save on your electricity bill by running heavy-duty appliances like dishwashers and laundry machines during times when fewer people are using electricity. The cost of electricity varies throughout the day, increasing when demand is high, typically in the mid-evening when households are busy with activities like cooking and watching TV. To cut costs, consider using these appliances late at night or during the day, avoiding peak hours, to take advantage of lower electricity rates.
3. Leverage Timers and Energy-Saving Features on Your Appliances
Utilize the timers and energy-saving functions built into your appliances, such as computers, TVs, air conditioners, and heaters, to reduce your energy costs. For instance, ensure your heating and cooling systems are active only when you’re at home to avoid unnecessary energy use. If you tend to fall asleep while watching TV or forget to turn it off, setting a timer can ensure it turns off automatically. Additionally, consider putting your TV and computer on energy-saving mode at night to dim the backlight, further conserving energy.
4. Get an Energy Audit to Boost Efficiency
A well-insulated home significantly reduces heating and cooling expenses by ensuring your appliances aren’t overworked. Many states offer complimentary energy audits, where experts assess your home’s efficiency and pinpoint opportunities for improvement, potentially leading to substantial savings. If such a program exists in your area, it’s wise to utilize it. Proper insulation can drastically cut costs associated with temperature regulation. However, if professional services aren’t available, consider conducting a DIY energy audit using available checklists to discover ways to enhance your home’s energy efficiency.
5. Opt for ENERGY STAR-Rated Appliances
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency initiated the ENERGY STAR program in 1992, making it easier for consumers to gauge the electricity usage of their appliances. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR rating are among the most efficient available, often featuring a higher initial price but providing long-term savings by lowering your electricity bills. When shopping for new appliances, prioritizing ENERGY STAR-rated options can be a smart financial and environmental decision.
6. Embrace Clean Energy Solutions Like Community Solar
As clean energy becomes more accessible and affordable, consider exploring options like solar panels if your roof is suitable. Installing solar panels can potentially reduce your monthly electricity expenses to zero and allow you to earn money by selling surplus energy back to the grid. However, if installing solar panels isn’t feasible due to your roof’s condition or the initial costs, community solar presents a viable alternative. Look into community solar programs like Solarize the Triangle within your area; this model enables you to subscribe to a local solar farm, which in turn lowers your monthly utility bills through credits. Community solar not only reduces your expenses but also supports local employment and decreases environmental pollution.
Trying Saving Energy With Solar
By now, you should have a clearer understanding of typical household energy consumption, averaging around 800 to 1,000 kWh monthly. Switching to energy-efficient devices and considering renewable energy solutions like solar generators can help you save on energy and costs.
If you are hoping to save money on your energy bills call a qualified North Carolina Solar Installer like 8MSolar to help reduce energy consumption costs and achieve sustainability for your household. Give us a call today!
