Understanding Your Electricity Bill
Your electricity bill is determined by the amount of energy you consume, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh), multiplied by your utility's rate per kWh. Understanding which appliances consume the most energy can help you reduce your monthly costs and environmental impact.
Average Appliance Energy Consumption
| Appliance | Typical Wattage | Monthly kWh* |
|---|---|---|
| Central Air Conditioning | 3,000-5,000W | 300-500 |
| Electric Space Heater | 1,500W | 180-360 |
| Electric Water Heater | 4,500W | 400-500 |
| Refrigerator | 100-400W | 30-60 |
| Clothes Dryer | 2,000-5,000W | 30-90 |
| Washing Machine | 500W | 5-15 |
| Television (LED) | 30-100W | 5-30 |
| Desktop Computer | 100-500W | 15-75 |
*Based on typical usage patterns
Tips to Lower Your Electric Bill
- Adjust your thermostat: Each degree you raise/lower your thermostat can save 3% on cooling/heating costs
- Use LED bulbs: LEDs use 75% less energy than incandescent bulbs
- Unplug devices: Phantom loads from idle electronics can add $100+ annually
- Wash in cold water: 90% of washing machine energy goes to heating water
- Use a programmable thermostat: Save 10% annually by adjusting temps when away
- Seal air leaks: Weatherstripping doors and windows reduces HVAC costs
- Maintain HVAC systems: Clean filters improve efficiency by 5-15%
Understanding kWh
A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy equal to using 1,000 watts for one hour. For example, a 100-watt light bulb running for 10 hours uses 1 kWh. Your utility company charges you for each kWh consumed, typically ranging from $0.10 to $0.30 depending on your location and rate plan.
Peak vs Off-Peak Rates
Many utilities offer time-of-use (TOU) pricing, where electricity costs more during peak demand hours (typically 4-9 PM) and less during off-peak hours (late night/early morning). Shifting energy-intensive tasks like laundry and dishwashing to off-peak hours can significantly reduce your bill.