How Many KwH Does A House Use Daily, Month And Year in US (with data table )
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Time to read 13 min
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Time to read 13 min
Getting your electricity bill at the end of the month often leaves us wondering when we used up so much energy. But if you are tired of wondering how your bill got that high, you may want to know how to calculate your daily energy use for each appliance.
It's also important to know how your home consumption compares to the national average to determine if you are spending too much or not. So let's find out how many kWh your home uses and factors that contribute to your home power usage.
Simply put, kW or Kilowatt is a unit for measuring electrical energy while kWh or Kilowatt-hours measures your energy usage over time. To explain more elaborately, Kilowatt is equal to a thousand watts (1000W). It is the amount of energy an electrical appliance consumes.
On the other hand, a Kilowatt-hour is the amount of energy an appliance uses every hour. So, one Kilowatt used for an hour equals 1kWh. KWh is the unit used for your electricity bill. It not only tells us the number of Kilowatts an appliance consumes, but Kilowatt-hour tells us the amount of energy consumed and how long it takes to use a Kilowatt.
While many factors influence your specific house energy consumption (more on this later), the average household consumption will help you know the rough estimate for households. Knowing the average helps you figure out if you are above or below the average.
This report is based on EIA's () updated electricity use. EIA reports that the average annual electricity consumption per household in 2021 is 10,632 kWh, making an average of 886 kWh per month.
The table below shows the average kWh for a single American household daily, monthly, yearly, and instantaneously. Instantaneous use refers to the power needed in an instant. Dividing 10,632 kWh by 365 days, we get a daily average of 29 kWh.
To determine the instantaneous usage, we find the number of hours in a year - 365 times 24 = 8760. Then we divide 10,632 by 8760 hours, which is 1.2 kW
Frequency |
Usage per household |
Daily |
29 kWh |
Monthly |
886 kWh |
Yearly |
10,632 kWh |
Instantaneous |
1.2 kW |
Using the single resident average, we calculate the aggregate average power consumption for American residents. The EIA estimates the total number of residential customers as 123,530,000 and the aggregate yearly consumption was 1,497,767,000,000 kWh. Below, we use this estimate to find the daily, monthly, and instantaneous aggregate.
Frequency |
Usage for all households combined |
Daily |
3,103,471,232 kWh |
Monthly |
124,813,916,667 kWh |
Yearly |
1,497,767,000,000 kWh |
Instantaneous |
170,977,968 kW |
Typically, there is a lot of variance between states with some ranking high and others low. According to the EIA report in 2021, Louisiana had the highest annual consumption at 14,302 kWh per household and 1200 kWh per month. Hawaii ranked lowest at 6,369 kWh and 537 kWh per month.
Considering the average consumption per household in your state will help you better understand your energy consumption and work towards reducing your carbon footprint if you are above the average.
This variation also applies to the cost per kWh with Oklahoma, Idaho, Arkansas, Louisiana, Utah, Washington, and North Dakota charging as low as $0.10. Hawaii's electricity bill proves to be the highest at $0.30, with Alaska falling $0.7 behind at $0.23.
We created a table showing the different states and their power use daily, monthly, and yearly, and the electricity cost per kWh for each state. The table below is drawn from the EIA table for each state in the US.
State |
Average? |
Average? |
Average? |
Average? |
Average? |
Alabama |
37 kWh |
1,145 kWh |
13,737 kWh |
$144 |
$0.13 |
Alaska |
18 kWh |
552 kWh |
6,628 kWh |
$125 |
$0.23 |
Arizona |
36 kWh |
1,114 kWh |
13,364 kWh |
$137 |
$0.12 |
Arkansas |
34 kWh |
1,060 kWh |
12,720 kWh |
$110 |
$0.10 |
California |
20 kWh |
605 kWh |
7,259 kWh |
$120 |
$0.20 |
Colorado |
23 kWh |
711 kWh |
8,533 kWh |
$88 |
$0.12 |
Connecticut |
23 kWh |
703 kWh |
8,433 kWh |
$154 |
$0.22 |
DC |
20 kWh |
631 kWh |
7,567 kWh |
$74 |
$0.12 |
Delaware |
30 kWh |
935 kWh |
11,214 kWh |
$116 |
$0.12 |
Florida |
37 kWh |
1,142 kWh |
13,698 kWh |
$129 |
$0.11 |
Georgia |
35 kWh |
1,081 kWh |
12,974 kWh |
$130 |
$0.12 |
Hawaii |
17 kWh |
537 kWh |
6,446 kWh |
$163 |
$0.30 |
Idaho |
31 kWh |
955 kWh |
11,463 kWh |
$95 |
$0.10 |
Illinois |
23 kWh |
698 kWh |
8,376 kWh |
$89 |
$0.13 |
Indiana |
30 kWh |
938 kWh |
11,259 kWh |
$120 |
$0.13 |
Iowa |
28 kWh |
865 kWh |
10,380 kWh |
$108 |
$0.12 |
Kansas |
28 kWh |
883 kWh |
10,598 kWh |
$114 |
$0.13 |
Kentucky |
35 kWh |
1,073 kWh |
12,878 kWh |
$117 |
$0.11 |
Louisiana |
39 kWh |
1,201 kWh |
14,407 kWh |
$116 |
$0.10 |
Maine |
18 kWh |
567 kWh |
6,802 kWh |
$93 |
$0.16 |
Maryland |
31 kWh |
964 kWh |
11,570 kWh |
$122 |
$0.13 |
Massachusetts |
20 kWh |
610 kWh |
7,323 kWh |
$126 |
$0.21 |
Michigan |
22 kWh |
676 kWh |
8,107 kWh |
$110 |
$0.16 |
Minnesota |
25 kWh |
775 kWh |
9,298 kWh |
$102 |
$0.13 |
Mississippi |
37 kWh |
1,146 kWh |
13,756 kWh |
$128 |
$0.11 |
Missouri |
33 kWh |
1,028 kWh |
12,333 kWh |
$115 |
$0.11 |
Montana |
28 kWh |
858 kWh |
10,299 kWh |
$96 |
$0.11 |
Nebraska |
33 kWh |
1,013 kWh |
12,156 kWh |
$109 |
$0.11 |
Nevada |
31 kWh |
971 kWh |
11,648 kWh |
$110 |
$0.11 |
New Hampshire |
20 kWh |
622 kWh |
7,469 kWh |
$115 |
$0.18 |
New Jersey |
22 kWh |
673 kWh |
8,079 kWh |
$107 |
$0.16 |
New Mexico |
22 kWh |
670 kWh |
8,039 kWh |
$87 |
$0.13 |
New York |
19 kWh |
600 kWh |
7,197 kWh |
$107 |
$0.18 |
North Carolina |
34 kWh |
1,041 kWh |
12,490 kWh |
$118 |
$0.11 |
North Dakota |
35 kWh |
1,085 kWh |
13,023 kWh |
$113 |
$0.10 |
Ohio |
29 kWh |
888 kWh |
10,656 kWh |
$109 |
$0.12 |
Oklahoma |
35 kWh |
1,078 kWh |
12,938 kWh |
$109 |
$0.10 |
Oregon |
30 kWh |
916 kWh |
10,995 kWh |
$102 |
$0.11 |
Pennsylvania |
27 kWh |
822 kWh |
9,863 kWh |
$106 |
$0.13 |
Rhode Island |
19 kWh |
599 kWh |
7,187 kWh |
$130 |
$0.22 |
South Carolina |
35 kWh |
1,081 kWh |
12,968 kWh |
$138 |
$0.13 |
South Dakota |
33 kWh |
1,037 kWh |
12,441 kWh |
$122 |
$0.12 |
Tennessee |
38 kWh |
1,168 kWh |
14,020 kWh |
$126 |
$0.11 |
Texas |
37 kWh |
1,132 kWh |
13,583 kWh |
$133 |
$0.12 |
Utah |
25 kWh |
769 kWh |
9,226 kWh |
$80 |
$0.10 |
Vermont |
18 kWh |
567 kWh |
6,806 kWh |
$111 |
$0.20 |
Virginia |
35 kWh |
1,095 kWh |
13,143 kWh |
$132 |
$0.12 |
Washington |
31 kWh |
969 kWh |
11,634 kWh |
$96 |
$0.10 |
West Virginia |
34 kWh |
1,051 kWh |
12,615 kWh |
$124 |
$0.12 |
Wisconsin |
22 kWh |
694 kWh |
8,331 kWh |
$99 |
$0.14 |
Wyoming |
28 kWh |
869 kWh |
10,432 kWh |
$97 |
$0.11 |
Although Americans make up less than 5% of the world's population, they make up 25 % of the world's energy consumption. Each American uses an average of 4,500 kWh per year in their home. The US average is surprisingly about six times the global average per capita or over five times the average for those with access to electricity.
Besides America, the difference between developed countries is wide. The US and Canada's consumption is around 4,500 kWh per individual. But in Brazil, Mexico, and China, it's around 500 kWh per individual.
However, this difference doesn't account for the growth in energy consumption. For example, while Brazil's use is as low as China's, it has been stable for the last 20 years. On the other hand, China's has increased by 600%.
Of course, everyone’s electricity bill won't be the same, and understanding why is not as simple as it seems. Numerous factors can affect your home’s energy usage, making you use below or above the household average.
Typically, a bigger house will consume more energy than a smaller house. This is because you will require more energy to heat or cool a larger space.
Older homes use up more energy because building materials weaken over time, causing heat loss. Also, the type of material used will affect how much energy you use.
Less energy-efficient materials, like the ones used in older homes, allow air to escape. But energy-efficient materials will reduce air leaks.
More occupants will mean higher energy consumption. From charging phones to using the washing machine, energy consumption is bound to be higher than that of a smaller household using the same appliances.
Different appliances consume different amounts of energy. Energy-consuming appliances will increase your average consumption but energy-efficient appliances will use less energy.
If you have more appliances than your neighbor, you may consume a bit more energy, especially if they are energy-intensive.
Every time you use an electrical appliance, it consumes energy. So, how often you use your appliances will affect your average energy use.
The area you live in can affect how much energy you use. If you live in a region with extreme temperatures, you will end up consuming more energy for cooling and heating than in milder areas.
Seasons and weather conditions may influence your average energy use. Sunny days and the summer months will require more cooling. Rainy days and the winter months will require more heating.
Several factors will determine what appliances contribute most to your home's power consumption. So there's really no straight answer to this. Some factors you should consider are which appliances you use often and the type of appliance. However, some appliances typically contribute most to power consumption:
Heating and cooling appliances like air conditioners and heaters consume a lot of energy. This is especially because they are used very frequently in the home.
Water heaters are the second most energy-consuming appliance in the home. They consume a lot of energy because they have to heat a lot of water for laundry, dishwashers, showers, etc.
Water heaters account for approximately 18% of your electricity bill, and says the average household spends between $400 and $600 on water heating every year.
The Department of Energy says that lighting accounts for about 15% of an average home's electricity use. Lighting is a necessity which is why a lot of energy is used for lighting.
But, replacing incandescent bulbs with energy-efficient bulbs like LEDs can significantly reduce your bill. It can save about $225 in energy costs per year for the average household.
Refrigerators are one of the largest appliances in the home and they equally consume a lot of energy. Most homes have two or more and keep at least one of them on throughout the day. Hence, increasing power use.
In 2015, EIA estimated that refrigerators account for 7% of the average household's energy consumption. However, in 2022, it dropped to 6%.
While doing the laundry may be a once-in-a-week routine, your washing machine and dryer still fall among the most energy-consuming appliances. It makes up about 5% of your monthly energy use. The percentage becomes higher in homes with many occupants.
Your home entertainment system including televisions, TV boxes, gaming consoles, and home theater contribute significantly to your energy use. In 2022, these devices consumed a total of 54 billion kWh which makes up 4% of the total American home use.
Electric oven, electric kettle, dishwasher, and other electrical kitchen appliances do contribute to your energy use. While separately, they make up around 1% of your energy bill, collectively, they make up a significant percentage.
Calculating how many kWh an appliance uses is quite simple and requires no special mathematical knowledge. You need to multiply the wattage of the appliance by the amount of time (hrs) it was used and then divide it by 1000.
The formula for calculating kWh is: kWh = Wattage × hours used ÷ 1000
For example, a 100 Watt lightbulb was used for 500 hrs in a month. The kWh will be: Monthly kWh = 100 × 500 ÷ 1000 = 50. Monthly kWh for 100 Watt lightbulb = 50 kWh.
Reducing your home power consumption simultaneously reduces your electricity bill. The best way to reduce your home power consumption is to:
1. Invest in solar generator. A good investment saves you money over time, even though it may seem expensive at first. Fortunately, solar generators are just the right investment you need to save energy.
Advantages of solar generator
There are many benefits of using solar generators. They include:
●Grid independence: Solar generators don’t rely on the electricity grid. Thus, they are a reliable option during power outages, natural disasters, and off-grid locations.
●Renewable energy source: Solar generators use sunlight which is a renewable and sustainable energy source, making it a great option in the long run.
●Environmentally friendly: Using solar generators can significantly reduce your overall carbon footprint because it produces fewer emissions, making it an environmentally friendly option.
●Quiet operation: Unlike traditional generators that are made up of moving parts, solar-powered generators don’t have moving parts. Hence, they operate quietly, preserving the serenity of your home
●Cost-effective: Solar generators may cost more than traditional generators when considering upfront costs. But solar energy is free, so over time, you won't spend much.
●Low maintenance: Solar generators don’t require complex maintenance. Mostly, all it needs is regular cleaning of the solar panels.
●Scalability: Solar generators are scalable, eliminating the need to completely change the generator if you need something better. You can simply add more panels or install a stronger battery to increase its capacity.
●Portability and versatility: Most solar generators have a portable design, making it easy to transport them. They can also be used for various purposes.
●Durable and long-lasting: These solar generators were built to last. They can withstand various weather conditions, enabling them to last longer.
If you are looking for a reliable and powerful solar generator, we recommend the Ugreen solar generator. One of Ugreen's power products is the Ugreen PowerRoam 1200 Power Station. It is a long-lasting solar generator that comes in two models, with one offering up to 1024 watts capacity. It also comes with app support for easy use. The PowerRoam 1200 has a lightweight design and 13 output ports.
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2. Replace outdated appliances. Replace outdated appliances with certified models, which are engineered to consume less energy while still performing the same functions.
3. Use LED light bulbs. than traditional incandescent bulbs and have a much longer lifespan.
4. Maintain heating and cooling systems. To guarantee effective heating and cooling, and consequently reduce energy consumption, regularly clean or replace air filters, schedule annual HVAC maintenance, and adequately insulate your home.
5. Install a programmable thermostat. Choose a thermostat that can adjust temperatures automatically based on your schedule to save energy when you're away or asleep.
6. Reduce phantom loads by unplugging electronics and appliances when not in use or by using power strips with an on/off switch to quickly disconnect a number of appliances and devices.
7. Reduce the need for artificial lighting during the day by utilizing natural lighting by opening your curtains and blinds during the day.
8. Install energy-efficient windows. To improve the insulation of your home and minimize heat gain or loss, consider upgrading to double-pane or energy-efficient windows.
9. To stop air leakage, which can result in energy waste, weatherstripping windows and doors, caulking cracks, and insulating switches and outlets should all be done.
10. For the most effective water heating, set your water heater's temperature to about 120 degrees Fahrenheit (49 degrees Celsius) to reduce energy consumption while maintaining a sufficient supply of hot water.
11. Install low-flow showerheads and faucets, address leaks right away, and use less water overall in the home to conserve water. Water heating uses a lot of energy.
12. Set your computer, printer, and other electronic devices to go into power-saving mode when not in use for a while. Click to read more:?How Many Watts Does a Laptop Use per Day/Month/Year?
13. Installing solar power systems to produce electricity could dramatically lessen your dependency on the grid and eventually result in decreased utility costs.
The Ugreen Foldable Solar Panel for Portable Power Station is a 200 Watt panel that offers:
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14. Energy audit. Engage a qualified energy auditor to evaluate the energy effectiveness of your home and make adjustments that are suited to your requirements.
You may drastically lower your home's energy use by implementing these habits and making energy-conscious decisions, which will help you live a more sustainable and ecologically friendly lifestyle.
Your home energy consumption will depend on different factors, like your house building materials, the type of appliances, and geographic location. If you compare your monthly electricity bill to the national household average and you realize you consume too much electricity, there's a way to manage this. Using solar generators can significantly reduce your electricity consumption.
We recommend Ugreen solar generators for the best experience, proven reliability, and cost-efficiency. In the long run, you’ll be saving more money and more energy.