Understanding Your Energy Usage
Learn how to calculate power consumption by kWh per month.Written by Dominique Sabins
Edited by Aviva Hauser
Last updated January 30, 2025
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Key Points
- Calculating your power consumption can help you lower your electricity usage and save on energy bills.
- You can estimate your monthly energy usage using the formulas listed on this page.
- Learn about our experts’ tips on how to lower your home’s energy usage.
| Coffee Maker | 900-1200 watts |
| Toaster | 800-1400 watts |
| Iron | 100-1800 watts |
| Ceiling fan | 65-175 watts |
| Space heater (40gal) | 4500-5500 watts |
| Hair dryer | 1200-1875 watts |
| Laptop | 50 watts |
| Computer monitor | 150 watts |
| Computer tower | 120 watts |
| Television 19"-36" | 65-133 watts |
| Television 53"-61" | 170 watts |
In the winter, the most energy-efficient temperature for your thermostat is 68 degrees Fahrenheit. In the summer, set it to 78 degrees. Whenever you’re away from home, you should lower or raise your thermostat’s setting so you aren’t paying to heat or cool an empty house.
Using a smart thermostat instead of a manual or programmable thermostat can help you manage your HVAC unit and lower bills. Smart technology lets you remotely increase or decrease temperatures in your home from your smartphone.
Lower the temperature on your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. That will reduce your home’s electricity usage while also slowing buildup and corrosion in your home’s water heater and pipes.
ENERGY STAR-certified appliances consume less electricity than non-certified models. For example, ENERGY STAR washers and dryers use 20% less energy than other models. Swap out old, outdated appliances for these energy-efficient units. You can also search for energy-efficient electronics such as TVs, computers, and game consoles. Switching these devices to the “power-saving” mode will help decrease the amount of electricity they use.
LED light bulbs use 75% less energy than traditional incandescent lighting and have a lifespan up to 25 times longer. Switching to LEDs is a low-cost way to make your lighting more efficient.
Energy usage FAQs
The Energy Information Administration (EIA) found that air conditioning, space heating, and water heating were the top sources of electricity consumption in residential U.S. homes. Together, these three categories account for 43.5% of energy usage. If you’re looking for ways to decrease your home’s energy consumption, consider cutting back on heating and cooling if it is comfortable.
One way to lower your energy usage is to decrease how often electronics and appliances are running in your home. Start by turning off lights and unplugging electronics while they’re not in use. This includes computers, game consoles, toasters, and more. You can also decrease how often you heat and cool your home. Try setting your thermostat to 78 degrees in the summer and 68 degrees in the winter.