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Average Daily Household kWh Usage for Energy Savings
Reduce energy consumption and save hundreds of dollars every year without any compromise on comfort.
Understanding average daily household kWh usage is important to make informed energy-related decisions.
Most homeowners are often not aware of how much electricity they are consuming daily.
And guess what?
The reason is costing them hundreds of dollars every year in energy bills.
Once you become aware of your consumption, you can get started on saving money right away.
Here’s a Sneak Peek at the Contents:
- How Much Energy Does The Average Home Use?
- The Biggest Energy Consumers In Your Home
- Regional Differences In Power Consumption
- Simple Ways To Cut Your Daily kWh Usage
How Much Energy Does The Average Home Use?
The average American home consumes around 30 kWh per day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That is equal to around 900 kWh per month.
Hold up!
The total consumption may vary significantly on a day-to-day basis depending on factors such as the size of the household, the number of people residing in the house, and the region they live in.
Hence, it is very important for you to know your average daily household electricity consumption, as it can help you find areas to save energy and reduce your bills.
For an average U.S. household, the average daily household kWh usage is as follows, based on their household size:
- Single-person household: 10-20 kWh per day
- Two-person household: 20-35 kWh per day
- Family of 3-4: 30-50 kWh per day
- Large household (5+ people): 50-80 kWh per day
The more people you have in your house, the more laundry, hot water, and devices to charge. The larger the household, the higher the consumption of energy to heat and cool your house.
The Biggest Energy Consumers In Your Home
So now the big question is, what is it that causes a constant surge in your electricity bill?
HVAC systems are the leading cause of it.
The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that 35% of the entire energy consumption is used up by heating and cooling. It is the maximum share for a single activity.
HVAC systems may take up to 48% of the total energy usage in some households. Imagine spending almost half of your entire earnings only to heat and cool your home.
Here is a quick look at other energy-guzzlers in your home:
Water heating comes in at second place, taking up 14-18% of the total energy consumption of a household. The more showers you take, the more loads of dishes you run, the more energy it will take.
Appliances and electronics account for the last of the top three energy-consuming equipment in your home. Refrigerators are on 24/7 mode, while dishwashers, laundry machines, and others are also working non-stop.
It is shocking to hear, but even though many of these electrical appliances are turned off, they are still using electricity. This phantom energy can make up for 10% of the entire electricity bill each month.
Regional Differences In Power Consumption
All is not equal when it comes to energy usage in U.S. households.
The region or the climate in which you live plays a huge part in average daily household kWh usage. Southern households consume almost 37 kWh every day.
While the Northern and the Northeastern households can go down to as low as 22 kWh.
This is a 68% difference based on geographical location only.
Why is the difference so prominent?
The answer is AC.
ACs are used in almost every house in hot states like Texas and Florida, where summers last almost all year round. People push their ACs to the limit, consuming an astronomical amount of energy.
Let us check out the states where the energy consumption is at its peak and also the lowest:
- Louisiana has the highest annual consumption at roughly 14,774 kWh per household
- Hawaii has the lowest, at approximately 6,178 kWh per household
How is this possible?
The price of electricity plays a major role. Hawaii has one of the highest rates in the country. Louisiana has one of the lowest. When energy is expensive, we use less.
Simple Ways To Cut Your Daily kWh Usage
Here are a few money-saving tips for you to trim down the excess and save some dollars this year:
Upgrade Your HVAC System
Your old heating and cooling system is a major cause of energy drainage.
Opting for energy-efficient systems with top-class SEER ratings for air conditioning and high AFUE ratings for heating is a must. The Department of Energy suggests that it must be changed every 10 years.
A combination of high-efficiency equipment with appropriately sealed ductwork and a smart thermostat can help you cut energy consumption by up to 30%.
Install A Smart Thermostat
A thermostat is one of the easiest steps that you can opt for.
Smart thermostats can be adjusted as per your routine so that they automatically lower or increase the temperature when you leave your home or are sleeping.
By only adjusting the thermostat 7-10 degrees lower for 8 hours every day, you can save about 10% of the heating and cooling costs every year.
Seal Air Leaks
Warm air leaking out during winters and the cold air seeping through during summers make your air-conditioning system work harder.
Air leakage is a common problem, especially around windows, doors, and ductwork. If your ductwork is appropriately sealed and insulated, you can enhance energy efficiency by up to 20%.
Upgrade To Energy-Efficient Appliances
ENERGY STAR-rated home appliances are known to use less electricity than their older generation counterparts.
Appliances that are power-guzzlers at home are refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers.
Replacing them with energy-efficient models can have an upfront cost, but the savings they provide each month more than cover the price.
Monitor Your Usage
If you do not know where your money is being spent, you will never be able to cut it down.
Opt for smart plugs and energy monitors that track each appliance to understand your consumption.
Many utility companies also offer free energy audits that help you determine your home’s weak spots.
Wrapping It All Up
Understanding average daily household kWh usage is critical if you are planning on lowering your energy bills.
The average U.S. household uses 30 kWh per day. However, this can differ depending on:
- Location and climate
- Number of family members
- Size of the house
- Quality of appliances installed
- Daily routines of the family
The most significant factor that causes power drainage in your house is your heating and cooling system.
To cut down on your electricity consumption, some of the most effective methods include:
- Opt for energy-efficient HVAC systems
- Install a smart thermostat to regulate home temperature
- Seal all air leaks throughout the home
- Replace old appliances with ENERGY STAR-rated ones
- Monitor power consumption through smart plugs
Begin with one or two changes and keep moving forward. Small steps lead to a large destination.