One of the most common questions when talking about electric energy it’s like calculating the average consumption of a family.
Clearly, the issue is not as immediate as it may seem and before delving into the matter, a series of different factors must be considered such as number of people in the househow much time they spend inside the home devices they use.
Therefore it is clear that there is no precise answer to the question, but there are a whole series of “hypotheses” that can be made to discover the average consumption of a family and, also considering the energy price ed possible increases, try to have a more or less precise estimate of the costs, so as not to have any nasty surprises on your bill. Let’s find out more.
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1. How to calculate the average consumption of a family
As just said, to get an estimate of electricity consumption inside a house you must, first of all, consider the number of people making up the family.
It is clear that a family of two people has significantly lower consumption than a family of four or five people.
In addition to this we must also consider how much time these people spend at home. For example, in winter, between school and work, the hours spent in the home are reduced in the middle of the week and increase again at the weekend. In summer, except for the holiday period, the stay inside the home could increase.
Here too it is clear that the longer a house is lived in, the more consumption increases.
Naturally there are many other variables to consider: the first of all is represented by the consumer habitsbetween those who are more attentive and try to save precious energy and those who, on the other hand, are a little more distracted.
To this we must also add the quantity of household appliances in the home and their energy class which for older devices could dramatically increase consumption with the consequent arrival of very high bills.
Finally, we must also consider the period of the year, for example in summer with the use of air conditioners consumption can increase significantly. The same goes for particularly cold winters.
It is clear, therefore, that it is not easy to make a precise estimate. Let’s say, however, that knowing the consumption of individual devices at home and knowing the time of use you could do a simple multiplication (and subsequently a sum of consumption of all devices) and have at least an approximate idea of your consumption, although as just seen there are many factors to keep in mind.
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2. Household appliances, which ones consume the most
Even though it is not possible to make a precise estimate of a family’s consumption, it is possible to know how much energy individual appliances require (a figure which is usually reported in the instructions) and therefore identify which ones are most power-hungry and should be used wisely so as not to increase bills.
It is certainly among the devices with the highest consumption electric water heater (1,200/1,500 kWh per year).
The consumption of an air conditioner is also decidedly important which, despite being used for a limited period (unless it is also turned on for hot air) of 4/5 months, consumes approximately 450 kWh each year.
Immediately afterwards we find washing machine, dryer, microwave e dishwasher, with a power demand of up to 200/300 kWh per year. Next in the ranking are electric ovens (around 100/110 kWh per year).
Clearly we must not forget refrigerator and freezer which, for obvious reasons, are in operation 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. A consumption that cannot be eliminated and which stands at around 300 kWh every year.
In these calculations we must also consider the energy class of the aforementioned appliances which, in the case of more recent products, would have significantly lower consumption than older devices.
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3. Energy saving tips
The one on the savings energetic it is a fundamental discussion that does not correspond only to a economic saving but it also brings up the issue of sustainability.
Therefore the right thing to do would be become aware of your habits and, possibly, change them for the better so as to consume resources in a conscious way.
There are many tips from experts to reduce waste and electricity costs on the bill: in the case of systems electric heating/coolingfor example, the suggestion is to never reach above 19° in winter and never below 25° in summer, taking care to turn off the system when there are no people in the house.
Also an conscious use of household appliances can lead to good energy savings and, in this sense, the best solution is not to overdo it and, if possible, let washing machines, dryers and dishwashers work only when they are full.
As already mentioned, the discussion on energy rating of the devices present in the home is very important and, by considering the purchase of more recent products, consumption can be significantly reduced.
Also home lighting should not be overlooked and, in addition to the classic recommendation of turn the lights off when there is no one in the room, it is better to buy LED lights much less power hungry and much more efficient.
Another fundamental detail when talking about energy saving: i devices in stand-by which, as is well known, are responsible for approximately 30% of annual energy consumption.
The solution to the problem is to completely turn off the device or, possibly, unplug it and reconnect it when necessary.
In short, not wasting energy is possible and with the right precautions and a lot of practice, even the cost of the bill will gradually become lower.
To know more: Electricity, new technologies in the name of sustainability and energy saving