Estimate Energy Usage
How do I estimate energy usage and cost?
The wattage of appliances and equipment as well as the amount of operating time can vary greatly. The following information will show you how to determine where the energy dollars are going in your home.
Since the cost of electricity is determined by the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) used during a billing period, the first step is to determine your average cost per kilowatt-hour. The average kWh cost = the dollar amount of the electric bill divided by the number of kWh used.
Since the wattage of an appliance or electrical equipment determines the electrical usage per hour, the second step is to determine the wattage. The wattage of an appliance is found on the serial plate. It is possible that the electrical equipment will be expressed in volts and ampere rather than watts. If so, multiply volts times amperes to determine the wattage.
To find your daily cost for electricity, divide your bill by the number of days in the month. To find the daily cost per person in your family, divide the daily cost by the number in your family.
Since the cost of electricity is determined by the number of kilowatt-hours (kWh) used during a billing period, the first step is to determine your average cost per kilowatt-hour.
Average kWh cost = $ amount of electric bill/KWh used
Example:
$96/1,200 kWh = $.08 per kWh
Since the wattage of an appliance or electrical equipment determines the electrical usage per hour, the second step is to determine the wattage.
The wattage of an appliance is found on the serial plate. It is possible that electrical equipment will be expressed in volts and amperes rather than watts. If so, multiply volts times amperes to determine the wattage.
Example:
120 volts x 12.1 amps = 1,452 watts
|
Microwave Oven |
|||
| Amps | 12.1 | Volts | 120 |
| Hertz | 60 | Watts | 1,452 |
| Form No. | 00000 | Model No. | 0000 |
| Code | 0 | Serial No. | 00000000 |
Use the formula shown in the following example to estimate usage and cost.
Example:
A light uses 100 watts and is left on 15 hours. How many kWh are used and what does it cost you?
kWh use = (100 watts x 15 hrs)/1,000 watts = 1.5 kWh
Your cost = 1.5 kWh x $.08 = $.12
To find your daily cost for electricity, divide your bill by the number of days in the month.
Example:
$96.00/30 days = $3.20 which is your daily cost
To find the daily cost per person in your family, divide the daily cost by the number in your family.
Example:
$3.20/4 = $.80 per person per day
