How Do You Use Energy?

Approximate average monthly kilowatt-hour (kWh) usage:

Electric Heat	1, 000**
AC Cooling	1, 350***
Refrigerator-Freezer	188
Water Bed Heater	140
Lights	100-150
Range	100
Clothes Dryer (4 Loads/wk)	90
Television	45
Dishwasher	30
Electric Blanket	22
Coffee Maker	12
Clothes Washer	10
Microwave	8
Radio	7
Iron	5
Toaster	5
Waste Disposal	1

 

**Based on a 1, 500 sq. foot home. Homes differ in usage according to size, climate, construction, insulation and family living habits.

***Based on a 3-ton unit running 10 hours a day for 30 days.
 
 

What is a Kilowatt-Hour?

Electric power is measured in watts. All electrical appliances and light bulbs are sized, or rated, in watts. The term kilowatts mean 1, 000 watts. A kilowatt-hour is 1, 000 watts of power used for one hour. One kilowatt-hour will run a 100-watt light bulb for 10 hours.
 

Energy Saving Tips

• Replace old incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescents.
• Use photocells and motion sensors on exterior lights to increase security.
• Do consecutive loads of laundry to take advantage of residual heat in the dryer.
• For cooling keep thermostat at 78 degrees when home and 85 degrees when away.
• Install a programmable thermostat.
• Turn off any unneeded lights, computers, copiers and appliances.
• Consider insulating, caulking and weather stripping.
• Consider installing new windows in older homes.
• Close damper on chimney after a fire.

Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling a home can be costly. Below are some tips to consider:

• Check forced-air furnace filters regularly for efficient airflow.
• On cloudy days, keep drapes and blinds closed. Drapes and blinds add an extra layer of insulation. On sunny days, open the drapes and blinds to let in the sun’s heat.
• Don’t block registers, baseboards, radiators or cold air returns, air must circulate through and around them for maximum efficiency.
• Seal heating ducts and insulate those that run through unheated spaces.
• Cut up to three percent from your heating costs for every degree you set your thermostat back over an 8-hour period.
• Don’t get caught setting the thermostat to a high temperature to heat your home faster. It won’t heat quicker and leaving it there can use a lot of energy.