Energy Usage Calculator

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Why you should calculate your home’s energy usage

Understanding your home’s energy usage is the best way to learn how to save on your electricity bill. It’s easy to not realize how much electricity you consume throughout the month, especially with multiple devices running around the clock. This guide shows you how to calculate your total energy cost and break it down by cost per device. Knowing this information can help you determine where to cut down on electricity, empowering you to save on your monthly bill.

How to calculate your energy consumption

Calculating your energy consumption starts with taking an inventory of all your electronics and appliances. You can estimate how much energy each device uses and its impact on your monthly bill. Learn which devices cost the most and where to cut back. The following calculations guide you through this process.

How to calculate an appliance’s kilowatt-hours

A watt is the unit of power that measures how much energy an item uses every second it’s operating. For example, a 750-watt television uses 750 watts of power while on. You can usually find the wattage listed on the item or appliance. Look at the door of your microwave or the metal collar of your lightbulbs to find the wattage.

Your electricity bill is calculated in kilowatt-hours (kWh), which means you must convert each device’s watt-hours into kilowatt-hours. The following diagram explains how to convert to kWh and estimate how much energy a device uses monthly.

How to calculate your overall electricity costs

Now that you know how to calculate a device’s monthly kWh, you can add up your household’s devices to find your total monthly consumption and cost. Take your total monthly electrical usage and multiply it by your current electricity rate. Here’s how to perform this calculation:

How to reduce your electricity bill

These calculations can provide valuable insights into your energy habits. Knowing each device’s consumption lets you understand their individual contributions to your energy costs. The best way to lower your electricity bill is to reduce how much energy you consume. By doing these calculations, you can determine which devices cost you the most monthly.

Here are some additional tips to help you save energy on your bills: 

• Adjust the temperature: 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, adjust your thermostat’s setting so you aren’t paying to heat or cool an empty house.
• Unplug unused electronics: Did you know your devices continue draining electricity when plugged in but not in use? This is called vampire energy, and it can add up on your bill. Unplug your unused electronics to reduce waste.
• Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances: If you are due for a new appliance, consider switching to one approved by ENERGY STAR. This program is led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Energy to identify devices that meet certain standards for energy efficiency. For example, ENERGY STAR-certified washing machines use 25% less energy than standard models.

Shop for cheap energy plans on SaveOnEnergy

Lowering your energy consumption is a great way to reduce your electricity bill. But you may need to go a step further and consider switching your electricity plan for a cheaper rate or more appropriate plan structure. SaveOnEnergy’s free marketplace lets you compare plans and rates in your area based on your usage level to make the most of bill credits and other saving opportunities. Enter your ZIP code to begin exploring your options. Once you find a plan that works for you, it only takes a few minutes to sign up online or over the phone with the help of our experts.

Why it matters to know your energy usage

Deregulated energy plans are typically divided into three usage tiers: 500 kWh, 1000 kWh, and 2000 kWh. When shopping for energy, you’ll notice that rates and plans can vary widely. Knowing your typical monthly kWh usage can help determine which plan has the best rate for your usage tier. Before you shop for energy plans, consider putting these calculations to use so you know which plan offers the most savings for you.