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Average kWh usage for 2000, 3000, & 5000 sq ft home

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July 4, 2023

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So, you’re somebody who dreads checking their electricity bill. You know it’s only going to be higher than the last. And in contrast, it brings your mood plunging for the rest of the day.

Does this sound like a cycle you go through a month in and out? Then, you need to understand better the average kWh your house uses daily. Calculating your normal kWh usage per day isn’t going to help you cut down your electricity costs.

You’ll also gain exposure to common electricity statistics and terms in calculating your per-day usage. These terms and statistics come in super handy when you’re out shopping for your home appliances.

Summary

The most common kWh of electricity for a 2,000 square foot house is 11,604 kWh. In comparison, it means the average house uses 31.8 kWh of electricity per day. Other values include:

• Average kWh usage for 3,000 sq ft home: 14,210 kWh
• Average kWh usage for 5,000 sq ft home: 23,700 kWh

In this article, we also look at the following:

• The most expensive places to live for electricity
• The appliances that consume a lot of electricity

Table of Contents

• Average kWh usage for a 2000 sq ft home
• Average kWh usage for a 3000 sq ft home
• Average kWh usage for a 5,000 sq ft home
• Average household energy consumption per day & year
• States that produce the highest and lowest energy bills

Average kWh usage for a 2000 sq ft home

A 2000 sq. ft. home is large enough to house roughly 4-5 people comfortably. If you’re trying to figure out the average for such a home, the following statistics will help.

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA) mentioned the average kWh usage for a 2000sq. Ft. home is 11,604 kWh for a year as part of their 2015 data.

The average cost of electricity is 13.72 cents per kWh as per the recent 2020 data.

Suppose we were to take that number (11,604 kWh) and put it next to the recent average per kWh rate as stated by the US EIA (13.72 cents).

On average, a 2,000 square ft home would cost approximately $1592 a year and around $133 per month.

Of course, it is a very estimated calculation and figure.

Average kWh usage for a 3000 sq ft home

Suppose you were to imagine how big a 3000 sq ft home is. Let’s help you out. A 3000 sq ft home can house 6 to 8 people quite comfortably, depending on the size and number of people in a room.

With reference to the US EIA’s 2015 statistics again, a typical house that is 3,000 sq. ft. in size uses an average of 14,210 kWh of electricity.

Considering that the average cost of electricity is 13.72 cents per kWh according to the 2020 data, a 3000 sq. ft. home will produce a bill of $1950 a year. And in months, that would come around to $162.

Average kWh usage for a 5,000 sq ft home

The average kWh usage for a 5,000 square foot home is 23,700 kWh of electricity per year.

The average electric bill for a 1-bedroom apartment

Like other estimates, your electricity bill depends on many factors. It includes things such as:

• how many square feet your home is
• the location
• members living in your home
• etc.

However, there’s always an educated averaged estimate you can look at. According to Home Affluence, a website focused on home improvement, the average electricity bill for a one-bedroom apartment will be between $35 and $52.

What is a kWh?

‘KWh‘ is an abbreviation for Kilowatt hours, a measure of electricity. But let’s start simple and focus on ‘Kilowatt’ for now.

If we look at the metric system, one kilo equals 1000. So one kilowatt is simply 1000 watts. Easy, so far?

Now, let’s define ‘kilowatt hours’ or ‘Kwh.’ Kilowatt-hours is the amount of energy an appliance consumes if you leave it running for an hour.

Suppose you have a kitchen appliance that is 2000 watts in energy. If you leave that appliance running for one hour, you will have consumed 2-kilowatt hours of energy.

The next time you have kW OR kWh mentioned on an appliance, you’ll know exactly what it means!

Average household energy consumption per day & year

The average household energy consumption depends on:

• your space
• the type of appliances
• and the number of electrically powered items in your home.

You probably don’t use much air conditioning if you live in a rather cool climate. Nonetheless, your central heating costs probably cover all the energy air conditioning could’ve pulled you.

On the other hand, suppose you live in a climate that doesn’t require much heat or air conditioning throughout the year. Southern California would be a good example of this.

The region barely requires any heat or air conditioning throughout the year, saving one of some hefty bucks!

But that’s not at all the reason that affects the variation in electricity bills. It also depends on how your state particularly generates electricity.

Do they import diesel and fuel from far away to generate electricity? Because that’s the reason why Hawaii produces some of the most expensive electricity bills in the country.

On the other hand, states like Colorado have been trying to transition to low-carbon emitting sources. They’re significantly bringing down their average electricity bills.

We’re trying to say that some states have access to abundant energy sources, such as hydro power or other forms of renewable energy.

At the same time, other states have to pay hefty transportation charges to bring either the transmission of energy or the sources to generate electricity to them.

When it comes to figuring out one’s electricity consumption, no one answer will fit all. Regardless, we’ve given you some below-average figures that may land close to your electricity consumption.

If the following statistics don’t cut it, you can always calculate your bills by using this helpful guide.

Here’s a quick look at what each appliance uses.

• Air conditioner (window unit): approximately 800-1,500 watts
• Ceiling fan: approximately 50-75 watts
• Clothes dryer: approximately 3,000-5,000 watts
• Clothes washer: approximately 300-500 watts
• Computer: approximately 50-150 watts
• Dishwasher: approximately 1,200-2,000 watts
• Furnace fan: approximately 100-300 watts
• Gaming console: approximately 50-150 watts
• Light bulb (incandescent): approximately 60 watts
• Light bulb (LED): approximately 10-15 watts
• Microwave: approximately 600-1,200 watts
• Oven: approximately 3,000-5,000 watts
• Refrigerator: approximately 100-150 watts
• Stovetop: approximately 1,200-2,000 watts
• Television: approximately 50-300 watts
• Water heater: approximately 4,000-5,500 watts

The average electricity bill for a 2-person household

According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average electricity bill comes out to be $117.65 per month. Now, that’s taking into account that an average household in the US is occupied by 2.63 members.

If we were to calculate the cost of just one person’s share in that household, it would amount to $44.73 per month. Moving along the same lines, the cost for a two-person household would be $89.47 per month.

On average, a 2 people household would pay approximately $89.47 per month as part of their electricity bill.

States that produce the highest and lowest energy bills

In the US, each state has its own arrangement for generating electricity. Hawaii produces more than 80% of its electricity from imported fossil fuels such as oil and coal.

At the same time, Utah has its own two big coal-fired plants; in the ‘Rocky Mountains. From these two power plants, they can generate most of their electricity. Perhaps that is why Hawaii produces the highest average electricity bill in the country.

And Utah accumulates some of the lowest average energy bills in the United States, even with a higher kWh consumption than Hawaii.

Of course, the utility cost isn’t the only thing contributing to a high electricity bill. The weather also determines how much electricity the people of the state consume.

For instance, Alabama’s high electricity bills are the result of unbearable summers and chilly winters. Due to this, air conditioning in the summers and heating in the winters becomes indispensable.

You can check out the states with the most expensive and cheapest energy bills as of 2020 down below:

States with the highest energy bills

You can see below that Mississippi, Alabama, South Carolina, Texas, Tennessee, and Florida have high average energy bills. It is most probably due to the extreme weather in all these states.

And their high kWh is also proof of that. Nevertheless, Hawaii, Connecticut, and Rhode Island also make the top 10 list of the most expensive electricity bills. It is because both states lack indigenous sources to create electricity.

States With The Lowest Monthly Electricity Bills

Below are the states with the lowest monthly electricity bills. Utah, Idaho, Wyoming, Maine, Montana, and Minnesota are all states that have in-state power plants making their electricity relatively cheap.

For instance, Minnesota utilizes its strong winds for wind power. Wind power is also one of the most inexpensive forms of electricity generation.

However, New Mexico, Illinois, and Colorado just happen to go through very little consumption. It could be due to their moderate temperatures, which make the people of these states very comfortable consuming very little electricity.

For example, Colorado goes through large temperature changes within only a single day. It doesn’t give the people of Colorado enough time to switch between air conditioning or heating.

Average kWh per month California

The average person in California uses 990kWh of energy per month. California consists of hot and dry summers where an air conditioner becomes necessary.

But winter months are rarely cold, which is why the average monthly consumption comes out to be not too much and neither too little.

Acquaint yourself with the appliances and their consumption

When you’re trying to understand and reduce your electricity bill, you have to acquaint yourself with some knowledge of appliances.

Understanding what appliances use up the most energy helps you become considerate using them and look for more ‘power saving’ options whilst purchasing them.

Appliances that use the most energy

Here are a few appliances that use the most energy:

1. Appliances that utilize water

Appliances that utilize water in one way or another, such as dishwashers and washing machines, consume high energy levels. Almost 14% percent of your average bill is probably a result of these appliances.

These appliances don’t just do what they are supposed to do – such as wash and dry clothes or wash dishes. They also play around with the water and its temperatures, making them the highest energy consumers in the household.

Thus, adjusting the settings so your appliances use water at cold temperatures can help save you a lot of energy. It is because the appliance won’t have to work as hard to heat the water before use.

 2. Appliances that you can’t turn off

This one is quite obvious. Appliances like refrigerators, freezers, and for lots of people, even air conditioners consume a lot of energy.

Given that it stays on for long intervals, these appliances are even more expensive than appliances that use water, whose usage you can still control.

 3. You’re favorite electronics

The TV, PC, and laptops come in 3rd when looking at appliances that use the most energy. Remember to turn off these electronics when they’re not in use; yes, even from standby!

Additionally, bigger screen sizes use more energy than smaller ones. Look for the most energy-efficient option if you plan on buying some large-screened electronics.

How much electricity do a washer and dryer use?

The average washer or washing machine uses 255 watts of energy every hour that it runs. The dryer uses way more; 2790 watts every hour. That’s why they always tell you to air-dry your clothes!

How much energy does a light bulb use?

How much energy a light bulb uses depends on the light bulb you use. LED light bulbs use 7 to 10 watts of energy per hour.

The fluorescent and incandescent ones can use up way more energy, on the other hand. A typical fluorescent light bulb uses 16 to 20 watts of energy, while an incandescent uses a whopping 60 watts per hour.

How many solar panels do I need for 1,000 kWh per month & how much does each panel produce?

The number of solar panels producing 1,000 kWh of energy for your building every month depends on a few things.

First that matters is your location because solar panels don’t churn out the same amount of energy in every location. The sun’s energy also called the ‘irradiance’ in your specific location, will decide how many panels you should consider putting up.

Secondly, you’ll need to figure out the size of the panels to be placed depending on the irradiance of the location.

Lastly, it is important to note that not all the energy generated by the panels would be used up. Unfortunately, an average of approximately 23% of all energy is lost in the system itself.

23% of the energy from your solar panels means you’re close to losing nearly a quarter of all the energy generated.

Thus the calculation would look something like this:

Suppose that the irradiance of the location you’re setting up the panels is 2089.1/kWh/m²/day (meaning the energy generated at peak sun hours). You can simply search this up for your particular location as well. Usually, such a number is present in a hot climate, such as that of California.

The energy you’re looking to generate: 1000kWh per month

The energy you will lose out on: 23% (+0.4 to the original amount of 1)

Solar energy you’ll be required to generate to overcompensate the losses: 1000kWh x 1.4 = 1400kWh per month.

Since the number we searched off was based on the average of the year:1400kWh x 12 = 16800kWh per year

To calculate the approximate size of the panel, we’ll divide the energy we need every year by the irradiance of the location:16800kWh ÷ 2089.1 per sun hours/year = 8.042kW equivalent to 8042 watts

Now, suppose that you’re looking to purchase 300-watt solar panels (as they are the most common ones in the market): 8042/300 watts = 27 solar panels.

You’ll require 27 solar panels to produce 1000kWh per month, of which each panel produces 300 watts of energy.

You can repeat this calculation by replacing the irradiance number (2089.1per sun hours/year) with the irradiance your particular geographical location receives from the sun.

How many houses can 1-megawatt power?

There are 1000 kilowatts in one megawatt of power. 1 megawatt can power 813 average US homes. In other words, 1mWh can create electricity for 813 homes for an hour.

If you make sure to use these appliances in clever ways, you can save a lot of power:

• Air conditioner
• Oven
• Dryer
• Water heater

FAQ