Average kWh Usage for Apartments by Size
Although the primary indicator of electricity usage in an apartment is the number of appliances, their size is also a factor in estimating electricity consumption. This is because an apartment’s size is usually proportional to the number of appliances it has.
The average monthly electricity consumption in American homes is 899 kilowatt-hours (kWh), according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA). This number mostly applies to 2-bedroom apartments or mid-sized homes. However, the actual consumption in an apartment may vary from the national or state average based on region, climate, building age and usage.
Average Monthly kWh for One-Bedroom Apartments
A one-bedroom apartment typically consumes between 500 and 750 kWh of energy each month. However, these numbers may vary based on the apartment’s layout, size (measured in square feet), and the types of appliances it has.
The electricity usage of a one-bedroom apartment also reflects that of single residents or couples, who most commonly prefer this apartment size.
Average Monthly kWh for Two-Bedroom Apartments
The average electricity usage for a two-bedroom apartment is 800 to 1,200 kWh, which is slightly higher than a one-bedroom apartment. Two-bedroom apartments are usually the standard reference point for energy consumption values, as they are the most common size among small families. They also tend to be closer in size to the average household.
Note that the above value also matches the overall nationwide average mentioned earlier, suggesting the widespread use of two-bedroom apartments.
Average Monthly kWh for Three-Bedroom Apartments
The average electricity consumption for a three-bedroom apartment ranges from 1,200 to 2,000 kWh per month. The reason for higher energy usage in a 3-bed apartment is typically the higher number of people living in it.
Here’s a chart showing the average kWh usage for different apartment sizes:
| Apartment Size | Average Monthly kWh Usage |
|---|---|
| 1 bedroom | 500–750 kWh |
| 2 bedrooms | 800–1,200 kWh |
| 3 bedrooms | 1,200–2,000 kWh |
Factors Affecting Apartment Electricity Usage
As mentioned earlier, an apartment’s size is not the only factor that determines its electricity consumption. Other factors, mostly related to location and appliances, can also have an impact.
Climate and Location
Homes in harsher climates need more electricity to regulate their indoor temperature. For instance, apartments located in hot areas of Texas often need air conditioning, which can increase the average electricity consumption. Similarly, homes in cold, snowy climates that use electricity for heating use much more electricity than homes in moderate climates with mild winters.
Appliance Efficiency and Usage
The age, efficiency and power ratings of your electrical appliances are also responsible for deciding your apartment’s electricity usage. For instance, apartments with older appliances generally use more power as the appliances’ efficiency is lower, meaning they draw more energy for the same amount of work.
This is why experts recommend switching to energy-efficient appliances, such as those with an Energy Star rating.
Number of Occupants
The energy consumption in an apartment is directly proportional to the number of people living there. The higher the number of people living in a home, the more often appliances will be in use, typically for longer periods.
Building Insulation and Construction
The quality of a building’s insulation and overall construction are often important factors in determining its energy usage. Apartments with poor insulation consume more energy for cooling or heating purposes because more heat leaks into or out of them. Newer buildings, on the other hand, have better insulation and thus lower electricity consumption.
How To Estimate Your Apartment’s Electricity Usage
The easiest way to understand an apartment’s electricity usage is to look at its previous bills. However, if you don’t have the apartment’s energy bill history, you can estimate its usage based on its appliances, their power ratings and typical hours of operation.
Calculating Usage from Appliances
Adding up the energy consumption of your electrical appliances is a fairly accurate way of determining your apartment’s overall energy usage. Let us estimate the electricity usage of a fictional two-bedroom apartment to help you understand the process.
| Common Apartment Appliances | Average Wattage | Typical Daily Usage Hours | Monthly kWh Consumption |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lights | 400 W | 6 | 72 kWh |
| TV | 150 W | 6 | 27 kWh |
| Washer + Dryer | 6,000 W | 0.5 (considering two cycles per week) | 90 kWh |
| Dishwasher | 2,000 W | 1 | 60 kWh |
| Computers | 300 W | 8 | 72 kWh |
| Cooktop + oven | 3,000 W | 1 | 90 kWh |
| HVAC systems | 5,000 W | 3 | 450 kWh |
| Refrigerator | 400 W | 8 (cyclical operation) | 96 kWh |
| Total | 957 kWh | ||
Apartment vs. House Electricity Usage
The electricity consumption of a two-bedroom house is typically greater than a two-bedroom apartment because a house often has more space, including a garage or basement.
Additionally, houses have no shared walls with neighboring homes, which increases their heating or cooling requirements. Some apartments may even have shared laundry facilities, which can reduce your personal electricity consumption.
Seasonal Variations in Apartment Electricity Usage
Whether it’s an apartment or a detached house, your home’s electricity usage will vary with the seasons. Hotter days will lead to higher power consumption of air conditioners and refrigerators. On the other hand, according ot the EIA, six in 10 homes use electricity for their heating systems, meaning a cold snap can impact your home’s electricity use.
Mild seasons, such as spring and fall, often see lower usage compared to summer and winter.
You’ll likely find that your apartment consumes the most energy, and therefore incurs higher electricity bills, during the summer months. That said, you may be able to find ways to adjust your usage and save money on energy costs — even during high-demand seasons.
Tips for Reducing Electricity Usage in Apartments
You can reduce your apartment’s electricity usage by switching to energy-efficient appliances and monitoring your consumption to optimize it.
Energy Efficiency Improvements
Older appliances consume more energy than new, energy-efficient models do when performing the same task. By upgrading your appliances to Energy Star-certified models, you can significantly reduce your home’s total energy use.
You can also reduce your apartment’s energy consumption by adjusting how you use your appliances. For example, when washing laundry, using cold water will save energy. Hang drying your clothes can also reduce your apartment’s total energy use while extending the life of your favorite outfits. Doing a load of dishes? Consider using cold water rather than hot water. This will leverage your water heater less, requiring less electricity to ocean your dishes.
Besides switching appliances, you can also make changes in your home, such as upgrading your insulation or adjusting the shades and windows to optimize heating or cooling. Check doors and windows for leaks. Sealing places where air escapes can help better maintain your apartment’s internal temperature, reducing how often your AC or heater systems have to work.
Using fans instead of air conditioners in the mornings and evenings is also a proven way to reduce your electricity usage.
Smart Technology for Energy Management
Understanding your energy consumption patterns is the first step in reducing your electricity usage. You can invest in smart thermostats or plugs that adjust electricity consumption based on requirement. You may also want to explore energy monitoring systems, which track your home’s electricity use and may even suggest ways to optimize it.
Understanding Electricity Rates and Bills
While electricity bills depend on your monthly electricity usage, they can also vary significantly based on electricity rates. Different locations have different average electricity rates, and your price per kilowatt-hour will also change depending on your chosen provider.
That’s not all. If you have an energy plan with time-of-use pricing, you may see different bills for the same energy consumption depending on when you use your appliances. For example, most time-of-use plans offer cheap or even free power at night or on weekends. Using power-hungry appliances during these periods can help minimize your bills.
How Electricity Rates Have Changed Over Time
Your electricity rate is a combination of various costs, including the cost of fuel, power generation, transmission and distribution. Generally, electricity rates increase each year due to factors such as inflation and the need for maintenance and upgrades to the aging grid.
For example, the average electricity rate in Dallas has climbed from 12.7 cents per kWh in December 2014 to 19.6 cents per kWh in December 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Choosing the Right Electricity Plan for Your Apartment
If you live in an area with deregulated energy, you can select your electricity company and energy provider. For apartment dwellers in Texas, this means you have a wide variety of electricity plans to choose from. For most customers, a simple, fixed-rate plan is often the best choice. However, the best plan for you will vary depending on your specific usage needs.
Want to avoid a long-term contract? You can choose a variable-rate, month-to-month plan, which you can terminate without any cancellation fee. However, these plans charge rates that change monthly, which can result in sudden and extreme price increases with no notice.
Similarly, time-of-use plans are generally a good choice for customers with high usage during the nights or weekends. If you have an electric vehicle, we also recommend exploring the EV charging plans offered by several retail energy providers.
Some providers specifically offer apartment energy plans, which should offer the best rate for lower usage, typically at 500 kWh. Compare your energy needs to the energy rates listed in the electricity facts label (EFL) to determine which plan best suits your needs.
Frequently Asked Questions About How Many kWh an Apartment Uses
How much electricity does a two-bedroom apartment use per day?
A two-bedroom apartment uses between 800 and 1,200 kWh of electricity on average each month, which is approximately 25 to 40 kWh per day. However, these numbers may vary depending on location, the number of appliances, their operating duration, the age of the building and other factors.
Is 50 kWh a day a lot for an apartment?
Yes, 50 kWh is on the higher end of the average usage range for an apartment, especially if it’s a one or two-bedroom unit. However, it is common for some 3-bedroom or larger apartments to consume 50 kWh per day.
How can I tell if my apartment is using too much electricity?
To determine if your apartment is using too much electricity, you can compare the monthly energy consumption values on your bill with the average values for your apartment size in your location. Alternatively, you can get an energy audit done for your apartment to determine if it uses excess electricity and find ways to reduce consumption.
Lastly, you can also invest in a smart energy monitor, which analyzes your home’s electricity usage and identifies areas for optimization.
What is the biggest electricity consumer in most apartments?
Electric heaters and air conditioners are the biggest electricity-consuming appliances in most apartments. HVAC systems can consume thousands of watts of power every hour, which adds up to a high number of kilowatt-hours each month, resulting in high bills.
