How Much is the average American Electric Bill?
The average American electric bill can vary greatly depending on several factors, including the state in which one lives, the size of their home, and their energy consumption habits.
According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA), the average monthly electric bill for a residential customer in the United States was $117.65 in 2020. However, this number can vary greatly from state to state, with some states having significantly higher or lower electricity costs than the national average.
So, let’s take a closer look at what affects the cost of an electric bill and how you can potentially reduce your own monthly electricity costs.
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Factors that Affect the Cost of an Electric Bill
- Location: One of the biggest factors that affect the cost of an electric bill is the state in which one lives. Some states have higher electricity costs due to factors such as higher taxes, the cost of fuel used to generate electricity and regulations.
- Home Size: The size of one’s home also affects their electric bill. A larger home requires more energy to power, heat, and cool, leading to a higher monthly electric bill.
- Energy Consumption Habits: The way in which a person consumes energy also affects their electric bill. For example, individuals who use a lot of electricity for appliances, electronics, and heating or cooling systems will likely have a higher monthly electric bill.
Tips for Reducing Your Monthly Electric Bill
- Energy-Efficient Appliances: Replacing older, less efficient appliances with ENERGY STAR-certified appliances can significantly reduce one’s monthly electric bill. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances are designed to use less energy, which can lead to lower energy bills and a smaller carbon footprint.
- Smart Thermostat: Installing a smart thermostat allows individuals to better control the heating and cooling of their home, leading to lower energy costs. By automatically adjusting the temperature when no one is home, a smart thermostat can help save energy and money.
- Energy-Efficient Lighting: Replacing traditional incandescent light bulbs with energy-efficient LED light bulbs can also lead to lower energy costs. LED light bulbs use less energy and last much longer than traditional incandescent light bulbs, resulting in lower energy bills and fewer bulb replacements.
- Unplug Electronics: Electronics that are not in use still use energy, even when they are turned off. Unplugging electronics when not in use can help reduce one’s monthly electric bill.
It’s important to keep in mind that reducing one’s monthly electric bill is a gradual process and may not happen overnight. However, by taking small steps and making changes over time, individuals can make a significant impact on their monthly electric bill and overall energy consumption.
So, don’t be afraid to take control of your energy consumption and start reducing your monthly electric bill today! Every little change you make can add up to big savings over time.