How to Estimate Home Appliance Energy Use
There’s a very simple way to figure out how much energy your home appliances are using. I’m not a math genius, and I can accurately determine how much energy each appliance in my home is using.
The formula is:
(Wattage × Hours Used Per Day ÷ 1000 = Daily Kilowatt-hour (kWh) consumption(1 kilowatt (kW) = 1,000 Watts)
Determine the annual energy consumption by estimating how many days per year you use the appliance. Then, you can figure the annual cost by multiplying the kWh by using your local utility’s kWh rate.
Here’s an example of something you may use frequently – a personal computer and monitor.
(120 + 150 Watts × 4 hours/day × 365 days/year) ÷ 1000 = 394 kWh × 8.5 cents/kWh = $33.51/year
Adjust the numbers to what you use. If you don’t know the exact figures, make an estimate.
Many appliances have the wattage stamped somewhere on the unit itself. It may be on a metal plate along with the
manufacturer’s serial number. If you can’t find the wattage, you may find the amount of amps the unit consumes. If you find the amp consumption, multiply it by the voltage used by the appliance. For most household items, it’s 120 volts.
However, your electric stove and dryer are usually rated at 240 volts.
Beware of a condition known as “phantom load.” This is when appliances continue to use electricity even when they’re turned
off. Some common examples are your VCR, TV, stereo, computer, and many kitchen appliances.
You can prevent phantom load by either unplugging the appliance from the wall socket, or you can plug it into a power strip.
Turn off the power strip when you’re done using the appliance. This will save some money on your energy bill every year.
Here’s some typical wattage ratings for common household appliances:
Coffee maker = 900–1200
Clothes washer = 350–500
Clothes dryer = 1800–5000
Dishwasher = 1200–2400 (using the drying feature greatly increases energy consumption)
Clothes iron = 1000–1800
Microwave oven = 750–1100
Radio (stereo) = 70–400
Refrigerator (frost-free, 16 cubic feet) = 725
Televisions (color)
o 19″ = 65–110
o 27″ = 113
o 36″ = 133
o 53″-61″ Projection = 170
o Flat screen = 120
VCR/DVD = 17–21 / 20–25
Vacuum cleaner = 1000–1440
Water heater (40 gallon) = 4500–5500
Now that you know how to calculate energy consumption of common appliances in your home, it’s easier to figure out which ones you want to keep turned off as much as possible to save energy.
Generators for the Home
Ever get your power knocked out by a storm?
It’s annoying when the power to your house gets knocked out. Small outages that last a couple of minutes happen sometimes, but what about when it goes out for an un-perceivable amount of time? It could be caused by living with an unreliable power grid or hurricanes and storms. But when it happens perishable goods won’t last long in the fridge and freezer, the AC system won’t cool your house, and anything that doesn’t run on a battery won’t do a thing for you.
It’s time like these when it’s useful to have a home generator.
Home Generators
The most common generators for home use are portable and standby. They all run on fuel (diesel, natural gas, or propane for example).
Portable models are cheaper than the standby version and can be stored and rolled out when needed. However, they have to be refilled many times throughout the day when you are using it. Portable generators has uses outside of emergency power outages, like for recreational purposes. If you want to power the entire house, it’s a standby system that you’re looking for.
Standbys are installed outside your home and wired into the electric system. Some systems can automatically power the house as soon as the power is knocked out. They are expensive compared to the portable versions and require professional installation.
For more information about standby generators and if you’re interested in one for your home, give our office a call, we’ll be glad to answer.
Phone: (904) 620-0081
Toll Free: (800) 965-0081
Fax: (904) 620-9815

Electrical Work In The Home: Is DIY The Way To Go?
When working with electricity, safety is always the most important concern. Before starting any work, it is imperative that you make sure you are absolutely qualified to make the repairs you are planning. If there is any doubt, you should contact a professional electrician.
If you do have a project which you find you are qualified to undertake, you should make sure to always turn off the power to the circuit you want to work on by switching the circuit breaker to OFF in your main panel. The floor you are standing on should not be damp. Do not touch plumbing or gas piping. Be sure to test wires before you touch them to make sure the power has been turned off. It is important that you understand your system and electrical safety procedures before you start.
You may also need a permit. If you are doing the work yourself, you must purchase the permit and have the city inspector inspect your work. Projects which do not require a permit are replacing existing receptacles, replacing or changing a light fixture, or installing a phone or coax cable for cable television. You will need a permit for most other jobs, like adding or extending circuits
, new wiring, installing a new panel, installing a new receptacle or light fixture in a location that did not have one previously, and restoring electrical service. Permits are necessary – you could be subject to civil penalties if you do not obtain the required permits and inspections. It is a way to protect your investment because these inspections prevent home fires. It is estimated that $450 million a year in property damage results from fires caused by faulty electrical wiring. Check with your local building department to find out if you need to acquire a permit.
If you have a shadow of a doubt, err on the safe side. B&G Electrical is a licensed professional electrical contractor and can help you with the largest or the smallest jobs. Just call!
Phone: (904) 620-0081
Toll Free: (800) 965-0081
Fax: (904) 620-9815
2hours of electrical Service.
The electrician was great. Very efficient and completed all the work ...