According to the United States Energy Information Administration, the average American household consumed 10,632-kilowatt hours (kWh) of electricity last year. The average kWh per month was 886, while the average kWh per day was 29. (A kilowatt is the amount of electricity required to run a 1,000-watt appliance for one hour. A 10-watt light bulb can run for 100 hours on 1 kWh of electricity.)
However, the average kWh per day varies considerably from state to state. For instance, households in Louisiana use 39 kWh per day while households in Hawaii use only 17. Electricity consumption differs significantly between regions as well. Energy use is highest in the South and lowest in the Northeast, with the exception of Hawaii.
What Affects Electricity Consumption?
Electricity usage varies partially because of price. Not surprisingly, when power costs are high, people tend to conserve. Hawaii has the highest energy costs in the nation ($0.30/kWh), while Louisiana has some of the lowest ($0.085/kWh). But there are a host of other factors as well, such as:
- Home Size. Larger homes require more energy to heat and cool.
- Building Materials. Homes made from less efficient materials lose energy more rapidly.
- Residents. Large households use more electricity than small ones. Whether it’s stoves, showers, computers, televisions, or washing machines, the more people in your home, the more energy it consumes.
- Appliances. Older appliances are generally less efficient than new ones. The longer you’ve had your heating and cooling systems, the more electricity it takes to run them.
- Location. How much energy you use often depends on where you live. Homes in mild climates can be heated and cooled with significantly less energy than homes in harsh climates.
How to Lower Your Average KWH per Day
Reducing electricity consumption is good for your wallet and the environment. For homeowners looking to cut back, here are the most effective ways to start.
- Unplug Energy Vampires. Some devices continue drawing energy even after they’ve been switched off, such as tablets, smartphones, and gaming consoles. Instead of powering down, they enter “standby mode,” which is why you’re able to activate them so quickly. The amount of electricity they consume is small, but it adds up over the course of a year.
- Monitor Your Energy Habits. Most people aren’t aware of how much energy they consume every day. By keeping track, you’ll discover new ways to save. For instance, do you run the dishwasher when it’s half-full? Do you keep the hot water on while brushing your teeth? Do you turn down the thermostat at night? Small changes can lead to big savings.
- Insulate Your House. Thirty percent of your electricity is spent heating and cooling your home. However, without strong insulation, a lot of the warm and cold air you generate will leak out. Check the insulation in your attic. Seal cracks around your windows and doors. Insulated homes aren’t only more comfortable; they’re more efficient.
- Switch to Energy Star Appliances. Energy Star appliances use less electricity than anything else on the market. Look for the Energy Star logo when you’re shopping for new appliances. They may cost a bit more upfront, but they save a lot in the long run.
- Install LEDs. Light Emitting Diodes (LED) last 50 times longer than traditional light bulbs and use only a seventh of the electricity. Swap out your bulbs the next time you get a chance.
Protecting Your Electrical System
Agway doesn’t just power your home. We protect it. Our EnergyGuardTM program covers your heating, cooling, and electrical systems. When a breakdown occurs, rather than paying hundreds or even thousands of dollars on repairs, Agway customers call us. We schedule the technician and pay the cost of repair, including all covered parts. There are no service fees or deductibles. Just reliable support 365 days a year. Learn more and sign up today!
