What’s your energy bill? Is it normal, do you think? Do you wonder how much your neighbors pay for electricity? In this article, we’ll explore the energy consumption of a typical house, the average electric bill and what it’s made of.
$150
average electric bill in the US
The average American household consumes around 10,500 kWh of electricity per year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. That translates to an average of 900 kWh per month, or around 30 kWh per day.
Your home’s electricity consumption may differ from the national norm. States with hot summers and cold winters will see higher usage due to reliance on air conditioning and heating systems. For instance, the annual average consumption per household in Louisiana, where scorching summers are the norm, is more than double that of Hawaii with its mild climate: about 1200 kWh/month vs. 540 kWh/month.
The national average electricity price sits around $0.17 per kWh. So an average household would pay roughly $150 per month for electricity. Electric bill varies by state though. For example, the cost of one kilowatt-hour is around $0.108 in Utah. The average bill there is only around $100. In places like Connecticut, New York or California, monthly energy expenses can easily go over $200.
How do you track how much electricity your house uses? Sometimes, your electric bill will have data on how many kilowatt-hours the utility had to credit you for. You can always ask the utility to provide that information for you. Modern electrical meters often have monitoring capabilities and track your energy usage. In other situations, you can purchase a separate monitoring system.
What does an average electric bill consist of — what exactly are we paying for? Turns out that the most basic needs such as cooking food, staying warm or having hot water are what demand the most. Let’s see where our energy goes.
Heating the water takes the most energy — about 37% of our overall energy expenses, according to US DOE. If our monthly consumption amounts to 900 kilowatt-hours, then water heating alone requires about 333 kWh. Cooling and heating the space take the second spot. Air conditioners and heaters of all kinds make about a quarter of your bill in winter and summer.
The kitchen is responsible for about 15% of your energy bill. Cooking and refrigerating food are major energy expenses. A fridge alone requires about 50-100 kWh monthly.
The garage is where we often have our washing machine and dryer. Electric cars steadily grow in popularity and over 80% of EV owners prefer charging at home instead of using a charging station. Charging an EV daily can translate to over 300 kilowatt-hours per month — a third of an average electric bill.
So-called lifestyle appliances make a relatively small fraction of your energy bill — about 10%. Pay attention though - 6% comes from energy vampires hiding all over your home and drawing your power bit by bit.
Energy vampires are phantom loads; electronic devices that continue to draw power even when switched off or in standby mode. You all know them all too well – TVs, game consoles, laptops, coffee machines, phone chargers. These seemingly insignificant power draws add up over time, silently sucking the energy and money right out of your home and wallet. Unplugging them every time is tedious so consider powerstrips or smart plugs.
Half of your electric bill goes to heating and cooling the house. Lots of energy gets lost in the process. The reason is the low energy efficiency of your house: air leaks, old appliances, phantom loads and more. This makes you constantly overpay for electricity. The solution is simple — get a home energy audit.
$20
off your annual bill for each window you insulate
The idea is simple – figure out how your house uses the energy it gets. Check the insulation, ventilation, and your appliances. Each problem you solve will lower your electricity expenses. For example, insulating a single window well takes $20 off your annual bill.
There are companies that are willing to do the energy inspection of your home for you and even determine the HERS rating of your house. Home Energy Rating System shows how well your house uses its energy resources and increases the cost of your property when your score is good. If you have the DIY spirit in you, check out our article on how to perform a home energy audit yourself with an A1 SolarStore checklist.
Living an eco-friendly lifestyle doesn’t have to be a major overhaul. By making a few small changes to your daily habits and investing in some smart upgrades, you can significantly reduce your home’s energy consumption and enjoy lower utility bills. Here are some tips to make your house more energy-efficient:
Replace your traditional incandescent and halogen bulbs with LED alternatives. LEDs use up to 75% less energy and last significantly longer, making them a cost-effective and environmentally friendly choice.
Open curtains during the day to brighten your space and cut down on using artificial lights. Natural light not only reduces your energy consumption but can also boost your mood and improve productivity.
Look for the Energy Star label when purchasing new appliances. These models are independently certified to meet strict energy efficiency standards. While the initial cost might be slightly higher, Energy Star appliances save you money on your utility bills year after year.
In the winter, aim for a slightly cooler temperature and wear warmer clothes. In the summer, bump it up a few degrees and opt for lighter fabrics. You can also invest in a programmable thermostat. These allow you to set automatic temperature adjustments based on your daily routines, ensuring you’re not heating or cooling an empty house.
Many electronics continue to consume energy even when switched off. Get in the habit of unplugging chargers, TVs, and other devices when not in use. You may also use power strips with on/off switches to completely cut the power to all such appliances.
Drafty windows and doors waste energy. Seal any leaks or cracks to keep the air from escaping. A well-sealed home maintains a comfortable temperature without your heating and cooling systems working all the time.
Wash clothes in cold water whenever possible and don’t run your washing machine half-empty. Cold washes at 70 F typically use around 80% less energy compared to hot ones at 140 F. Try not to use the dryer, instead let your laundry bask in the sunshine.
Remember: Small changes add up to big results. By implementing these tips and cultivating energy-conscious habits, you’ll have a more sustainable and cost-effective lifestyle. So, get started today and turn your home into a champion of energy efficiency!
A great way to lower your electric bill is to get a solar system. It’s best to size it exactly to match your electricity consumption. While you’ll likely be able to sell the excess solar energy into the grid, many electric providers set a limit on how much they are willing to buy from you. In some states, systems over 10kW or 15kW aren’t eligible for net metering.
7-8 years
average payback of a solar system in the US
The average size of a solar system in the US is about 7kW. In a sunny place like California, a system of this size roughly covers the consumption of the average American house — at least in the summer. We recommend using the A1 SolarStore calculator to plan your future PV system. You can also contact us directly and quickly get a quote from our engineer.
Let us do the math for you
A1 SolarStore Calculator will help you choose the right solar panels and accessories to cover your energy needs.
Calculate your PV system
Years of experience in translation and a love of nature help Julia find the right words to encourage going solar. She joined the team in 2023 and is happy to make her contribution to a greener future.
More articles from this author
Andrey had been a news editor and freelance writer for a number of medias before joining A1SolarStore team. Climate change and its impact on people's lives has always been among his interests and it partially explains his degree in Philosophy and Ethics.
More articles from this authorStay tuned
Learn about the latest arrivals and discounts first!
Solar monitoring systems: All under control
Running air conditioning on solar is possible. Here is how many panels it takes
Electric car on solar panels – is it even possible?
How to make home energy efficient, save money and help the planet
