1. What is a House Power Use Calculator?

Definition: This calculator estimates the total energy consumption of household devices in kilowatt-hours (kWh) based on their wattage and usage time.

Purpose: It helps homeowners understand their electricity usage patterns and estimate energy costs.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the formula:

Where:

• \( E \) — Total energy consumption (kWh)
• \( P_{device} \) — Power consumption of each device (watts)
• \( t_{device} \) — Usage time of each device (hours)

Explanation: The calculator sums the energy consumption (watt-hours) of all devices and converts to kilowatt-hours by dividing by 1000.

3. Importance of Power Use Calculation

Details: Understanding your power consumption helps with energy conservation, cost estimation, and sizing solar power systems.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips: Enter the number of devices, then for each device provide its wattage and daily usage time in hours. Common device wattages:

• LED bulb: 5-15W
• Laptop: 50-100W
• Refrigerator: 100-400W
• TV: 80-400W

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Where can I find a device's wattage?
A: Check the device label, manual, or manufacturer's website. Some devices list amps and volts - multiply them to get watts.

Q2: Should I use peak or average wattage?
A: For accurate results, use average wattage during operation. Some devices like refrigerators cycle on/off.

Q3: How do I calculate monthly consumption?
A: Multiply daily kWh by 30, or enter monthly usage hours directly.

Q4: Does this include standby power?
A: No, you need to add devices in standby mode separately (typically 1-5W each).

Q5: How accurate is this calculator?
A: It provides a good estimate but actual usage may vary based on device efficiency, power settings, and usage patterns.