Average Home Electricity Usage

The USA is the second largest energy-consuming country in the world. In 2022, the government will use about 100.41 quads of energy:

Source: RubyHome

 

The power output of household appliances and their operating hours make up the total energy consumption of each household in the country. According to statistics compiled by the US Energy Information Administration, the average residential electricity use is about 900 kWh per month.

Average household electrical consumption varies greatly, depending on the state and the type of housing.

This article will show you precisely what factors influence how much power a house uses. We will also tell you how to save significant amounts on your energy bills.

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The Main Factors Affecting How Many kW Does a House Use

The average energy consumption per household in the USA is about 30 kWh per day, corresponding to about 10,900 kWh per year. However, some households use much more or less energy.

Factors that determine how much electricity the average household uses:

• The construction and size of the house
• The number of people living in it
• The presence of various appliances that run on electricity
• The availability of electric heating and cooling
• The time of year or weather circumstances
• The area in which the house is located

Of course, all of this significantly affects how much kWh does a house use. However, some factors can be adjusted to reduce electricity use and thus lower the monthly bill.

An all-electric house will have an average kWh per day higher than usual. Such a household has the potential for significant savings with energy-efficient retrofitting, which we will discuss next.

Some factors that have a direct impact on how much electricity a house uses are:

The Size And Construction of the House

Of course, the larger the house, the more energy it will use. This is especially true for homes that have electric heating.

The construction of a house (design of the rooms, their layout, whether they are insulated) has a direct impact on how many kW to run a house.

Number of Occupants

A family of several people will consume more electricity than one living alone.

Household Appliances

How much kWh a house uses per day depends on the total power used by all electrical appliances in the house.

Approximately 51% of the electrical energy used in US homes is for heating and air conditioning:

Source: RubyHome

 

“Everything else” takes the following position regarding average daily kWh usage. This category includes TVs, kitchen appliances, washing machines, and consumer electronics.

The Area Where the House Stands

The state in which you live can significantly impact your household energy bill. Homes in the southern United States are more likely to need space cooling than similar homes in the north.

For example, in Louisiana, because of the hot summers that are common there, everyone uses air conditioning. Therefore, the average kilowatt usage per month in this state is about 1,200 kWh.

Time of Year or Weather Conditions

You can use electricity sparingly, but there are certain conditions when you must have powerful electrical equipment.

This applies to periods of extreme heat when you have to switch on the air conditioner frequently or during significant frosts when the house temperature needs to be raised. This factor is especially relevant for houses that are entirely dependent on electricity.

Of course, average household energy consumption can vary. Sometimes, your utility costs will be higher than usual, which is beyond your control. But in any case, you can do your part to conserve energy.

The Price of Electricity in the United States

In the US, the price of electricity averages $0.15 per kWh (from $0.10 in Washington DC to $0.43 per kWh in Hawaii). Consequently, the average household spends approximately $135 monthly on electricity prices.

With the same average household kWh usage per month in these two states, you can pay completely different amounts. And the difference reaches $295!

Why is this so? Because the price of energy can differ across the country depending on how the energy is delivered. In Hawaii, oil has to be delivered, while Washington uses cheap hydroelectric power.

Ways And Methods to Reduce the Average Power Consumption of a House

As mentioned, some factors can be adjusted to reduce household electricity usage.

There are two main ways available:

1. Energy saving
2. Energy efficient modernization of a house

To determine which solution will be most suitable for your household, you need to analyze how many kilowatts a house uses and where you lose the most electricity. This allows you to take steps to use electricity efficiently and save your household budget.

Energy Saving

This method will be very useful if you use electricity irrationally in your house. For instance, you have installed incandescent bulbs or always have lights on in a room.

Methods that increase energy conservation in the home:

• Replacing household appliances with energy-efficient appliances
• Switching off electronics when they are not necessary
• Using blinds and curtains instead of electrical equipment, and utilizing open windows to cool or ventilate the room (when possible)

Using a solar generator for domestic use is also a method of saving money.

Energy-Efficient House Modernization: Solar Energy And Savings

One of the most popular methods of modernizing a house is to insulate the roof and windows, through which most heat escapes from the house in cold weather.

If you live in a house entirely dependent on electricity or in a state with high energy rates, consider upgrading your energy system by installing a solar energy system.

Regardless of how many kWh a house uses, a solar installation can provide enough electricity if you calculate the correct number of panels. Knowing a household’s average kWh usage per month is easy enough. Panels produce enough energy almost all year round, even when electricity usage is higher than usual.

High financial returns, as well as lower monthly utility bills, are the main incentives for many households in the US to switch to solar energy. Solar energy significantly reduces CO2 and other hazardous and polluting emissions (sulfur oxides, nitrogen oxides, and particulate matter).

The advantages of solar energy include:

1. Affordability: Residential solar energy has become more affordable through the federal residential solar tax credit. Through it, household owners can claim a 30% tax credit.
2. Independence: Generating energy from your own solar plant allows you to use it when the grid supply is interrupted. It is also relevant during the hours of darkness when the panels are not producing power.
3. No region-specific requirements: Solar systems can work in absolutely different climatic conditions. Even with a short daylight hour, there is enough sunlight to provide electricity for an average household in the United States.

It’s worth clarifying that installing solar panels is considered an upgrade, so purchasing such an energy system will increase the value of your home — a benefit, too!

Are you planning to purchase solar panels? Get your free solar quote in a matter of minutes!

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