How Much Electricity Does A House Use
The amount of electricity a house uses depends largely on how many people live in the houses and the number of appliances in the house that draw electricity. It is also important to remember that many of the electrical items that we own are on standby mode which continues to draw power even when “off.” Certain seasons also require us to use more electricity to power heating and cooling appliances.
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported in 2007 that the average home in the U.S. uses 936 kilowatt-hours of electricity each month or approximately 11,000 kilowatts in a year. Many electrical appliances such as computers and stoves account for 64.7% of electricity used within a house. Refrigerators are said to use up to 14 % of all electricity. The lights within your home make up approximately 9% of the electricity used.
Ways to Reduce Electricity Use
1. Insulating you home correctly can cut electricity usage as you will not need to use as much to heat or cool your home
2. Planting shade trees will also help cool your house and has the added benefit of reducing CO2 levels
3. Turn down your fridge so that it is not super cooling and using extra electricity
4. Set your washing machine to warm or cold water cycles
5. Use the eco setting on your dishwasher
6. Turn down the thermostat on your hot water system
7. Replace old appliances with more modern energy efficient models
8. Buy energy efficient light globes
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