According to the US Energy Information Administration, the average annual electricity consumption in 2020 for a U.S. residential utility customer was 10,715 kilowatt hours (kWh) or about 893 kWh per month. At 14,400 kWh per customer, Louisiana had the highest annual consumption and Hawaii had the lowest at 6,500 kWh per household.

The average electricity rate in Colorado is 14¢/kilowatt-hour (kWh), with monthly usage of 856 kWh or 10,272 kWh per year. That works out to $1,440 annually. Add in natural gas, and the total rises to over $2,200 with utility prices still rising.

Here’s a look at where that money’s going and some tips on how keep some of it for yourself. Bear in mind that these numbers are only averages. There’s a good chance your usage is greater. Take a look at your utility bill and use these percentages to see what you’re actually spending.

Cooling and Heating - 47%
While this can vary depending on the mix of fuel used (electricity, natural gas, propane), a good estimate of heating and cooling a home is about $1200 per year. But with larger homes and rising prices, bills can easily run twice that…or more.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to cut down, including improving technologies like mini-split HVAC and heat pumps that both heat and cool. And don’t overlook passive measures like window coverings, shaded porches and patios, and careful planting of shade trees.

Other Appliances – 25%
Your washer and dryer, refrigerator, oven, and other appliances and electronic devices add up to nearly a quarter of energy use, most or all of it electricity. From high-rated Energy Star® major appliances to controlling “vampire current,” wise purchases and management can take a bite out of your utility bills.

Water Heating – 14%
You spend an average of over $300 to heat the water you use in your kitchen, bath, and laundry—a lot more if you have a large family. Managing its use and energy-efficient appliances like on-demand water heaters can put some of that cash back in your pocket.

Lighting – 12%
Switching to eco-friendly LED lighting has a host of benefits, from controllable “smart” lighting to long-term savings from much longer life cycles of LEDs. And with LEDs now available for nearly any application, there’s no reason to keep stocking old-school lights like tungsten and fluorescent bulbs.

Ready to U Save? Give Us a Call
Allstar Electrical Services is committed to helping you enjoy your home at the lowest possible energy cost. Our extensive residential services are there to help you reach that goal. Visit our website to learn more. Then email us or give us a call at 303.399.7420 to schedule an appointment.