How Do You Use Energy?
Approximate average monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) Usage:
| Electric Heat | 1,000** |
| AC Cooling | 1,350*** |
| Refrigerator-Freezer | 188 |
| Water Bed Heater | 140 |
| Lights | 100-150 |
| Range | 100 |
| Clothes Dryer (4 Loads/wk) | 90 |
| Television | 45 |
| Dishwasher | 30 |
| Electric Blanket | 22 |
| Coffee Maker | 12 |
| Clothes Washer | 10 |
| Microwave | 8 |
| Radio | 7 |
| Iron | 5 |
| Toaster | 5 |
| Waste Disposal | 1 |
**Based on a 1,500 sq. foot home. Homes differ in usage according to size, climate, construction, insulation, and family living habits.
***Based on a 3-ton Unit running 10hrs/day for 30 days.
What is a Kilowatt-Hour?
Electric power is measured in watts. All electrical appliances and light bulbs are sized, or rated, in watts. The term kilowatts mean 1,000 watts. A kilowatt-hour is 1,000 watts of power used for one hour. One kilowatt-hour will run a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.
Energy Saving Tips
- Replace old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents
- Use photocells and motion sensors on exterior lights to increase security
- Do consecutive loads of laundry to take advantage of residual heat in the dryer
- For cooling keep thermostat at 78 degrees when home and 85 degrees when away
- Install a programmable thermostat
- Turn off any unneeded lights, computers, copiers, appliances
- Consider insulating, caulking, weather stripping
- Consider installing new windows in older homes
- Close damper on chimney after a fire
Heating and cooling are the home’s highest costs. Here are some tips to consider.
- Check forced-air furnace filters regularly for efficient airflow
- On cloudy days, keep drapes and blinds closed. Drapes and blinds add an extra layer of insulation. On sunny days, open the drapes and blinds to let in the sun's heat.
- Don’s block registers, baseboards, radiators, or cold air returns. Air must circulate through and around them for maximum efficiency
- Seal heating ducts and insulate those that run through unheated spaces
- Cut up to three percent from your heating costs for every degree you set your thermostat back over an 8-hour period
- Don’s get caught setting the thermostat to a high temperature to heat your home faster. It won’t heat quicker and leaving it there can use a lot of energy