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House is Empty but Electric Use Is Still High
One of the most confusing situations to members occurs when, after being
away from home a week or two, they return to find their electric use
hasn't changed much at all. The fact is, an empty house can consume
just as much energy as a full one.
An empty house kept at 55 degrees won't use much less energy for heating
than an occupied house kept at 68 degrees. Clothes drying, cooking,
baths, even body heat, all contribute heat energy. An empty house
doesn't have these heating agents to help maintain the 55-degree setting.
It's even possible for electric use to increase above normal patterns,
when a member leaves. For example, if you stay at home during a month
with mild weather, the electric bill may be in the normal range. If
the next month you leave and the temperature drops, you could be in for
a shock when you return.
How Much Does It Cost to Operate Your Electrical Appliances?
It's not easy to give you exact figures because so many factors are
involved. The efficiency of an appliance, where it's located, how it's
used, and the condition of your home's wiring all make a difference.
But we can provide you with some general guidelines to help you make
wise decisions about using electricity.
Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity?
Only a handful of electric appliances count for most of your electrical
use.
They include the range/oven, furnace, refrigerator, water heater, air
conditioner, and clothes dryer. All the energy used by your blender,
dishwasher, vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, and electric toothbrush account
for less than one-third of the electricity used just by your water
heater over a year's time. For instance, an electric toothbrush will
use less than one kilowatt-hour a year of electricity, which costs
less than 7 cents. Of course, the amount of electricity used will
vary with the size, model, and age of the appliance, and your
individual habits. Take a look at our
appliance usage
chart. ( 44 KB)
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