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Home Energy Usage Chart
Column 1 includes some of the most typical home appliances. Column 2 numbers are based on average monthly kilowatt-hour usage for a typical household of two to four people. Column 3, the average monthly cost, is based on GVEA’s rate schedule of approximately 18¢/kWh. The 18¢/kWh does not include the monthly customer charge of $17.5 for residential services.
Usage depends on many variables, including the appliance age and model, frequency of use and temperature setting. Individual use varies from home to home, and household usage may vary according to lifestyle, living habits and appliance.
| Electric appliance | Avg. monthly kWh | Avg. monthly cost |
|---|---|---|
| Clothes Dryer | 90 | $16.20 |
| Color TV | 11 | $1.98 |
| Computer (desktop) | 22 | $3.96 |
| Computer (laptop) | 6 | $1.08 |
| DVD or VCR | 6 | $1.08 |
| Electric Oven | 37 | $6.66 |
| Freezer | 87 | $15.66 |
| Home Lighting | 78 | $14.04 |
| Microwave Oven | 17 | $3.06 |
| Refrigerator with Freezer | 103 | $18.54 |
| Electric Space Heater | 132 - 2250 | $23.76 - $405.00 |
| Washing Machine | 12 | $2.16 |
| Water Heater | 250 - 325 | $45.00 - $58.50 |
| Source: U.S. Dept. of Energy - End-Use Consumption of Electricity 2001 and GVEA research | ||
You can estimate the cost of operating other appliances or equipment not included on this list. You will need to know the amount of watts the item uses, which can typically be found on a tag on the back of the appliance. Use the formula below to calculate the cost:
(Total watts ÷ 1000) X hours used X 18¢ = cost of operation
Winter in Alaska tends to be more expensive. Plugging in vehicles to keep them warm can quickly add up. For example, if a vehicle with a 1,500 watt block heater was plugged in overnight, you could expect to pay:
(1,500 ÷ 1,000) X 10 hours X 18¢ = $1.80 a day
By reducing this to just three hours (five for a diesel) before leaving for work, you can significantly reduce this amount:
(1,500 ÷ 1,000) X 3 hours X 18¢ = $0.54 a day
Some of the most common reasons your energy usage varies from month to month include seasonal changes and weather, visitors, holidays and vacations and the number of weekends in each month.
If you are concerned with your electric usage, a Home$ense energy efficiency audit may help. For $40, an energy efficiency specialist will visit your home and look for areas that can be improved. You will also receive several energy saving devices such as compact fluorescent light bulbs. Contact our energy efficiency specialist at 452-1151 for more information.
