Electricity use categories
The number, size and usage of home appliances depends greatly on the number of family members in the home along with their age when determining electricity use. For convenience, it can be said that home-use can be divided into three groups:

Small sized home - two or three individuals per household, with no children, uses around 2.200 -3.000 kWh per annum, which is about 6-8 kWh per day.

Medium sized home - four individuals, with children and the most common home appliances has an expenditure of 3.600 to 4.200 kWh per annum, which is about 10 to 12 kWh per day.

Large sized home - four to six individuals, that has mostly all home appliances, is a household with an expenditure of 4.800 to 5.000 kWh per annum, which is about 13 to 15 kWh per day.

How electrical use is divided in the home depends upon many factors, however a typical breakdown of an average family would be:

• Washing Machines – 28%
• Lighting – 17%
• Refrigerators and freezers – 19%
• Cooking appliances – 24%
• Other usage - 12%

What you can do to conserve electricity and save on electricity bills?
The average use of electricity in the common home has risen; the reasons are more than a few but some of them are: increased computer use and new appliances. To save on electric costs one can use fewer appliances and decrease the use of electronic appliances. New home appliances often use a significantly more amount of electricity than expected, for example water-beds and large computer monitors.

Use the right lighting – The correct use of illumination devices is important, use required light bulbs rather than large ones, it is also important not to use any devices or material that decrease the brightness of the bulbs or light fixtures. When possible use fluorescent lights.

Use light/er colors in your environment – The environment you work or live in often dictates how much illumination you need. Light colors on the ceiling, walls, drapes and floors often save on illumination costs. Also keep in mind to have all light fixtures or lamps clean, free of dust and such.

Turn the lights off – Always remember to turn all lights off. A common error is to leave the lights on when no one is around, which is often a fire hazard.

Dish Washer - Always fill the washing machine to its capacity, as the machine always uses the same amount of electricity regardless of how much is put in it. Use the (E) function button to save energy as frequently as is possible. Cooking pots and other kitchen appliances that are large should be washed rather than be put in the dish washer. Always clean all food off plates and other items to avoid them drying off, so food stains do not stick. A lower temperature and shorter washing circle often suffices.

Washing Machine – Make sure you fill it with laundry as the cost is the same,whether small or large laundry piles. Do not adjust the temperature too high, the machine itself uses 30% less energy if the heat is lowered by one third. Try to skip the pre-wash option if the laundry is not too dirty, skipping pre-wash consumes less than 20% less energy. Rinse your laundry with cold water before washing to save energy. It does not matter if it is laundry or dishes, you can always skip pre-wash.

Dryer – Before putting laundry into the dryer you should always wring it. It is also wise to clean out any fluff before each use, as well as putting an appropriate amount, not too small or large, in the dryer, otherwise the energy consumption is much higher if the appropriate amount is not used. Use a energy consumption function on the machine when possible.

Water bed – The appropriate temperature for a water bed is around 27°C. Energy consumption rises about 5% for each rise in degree temperature. Always cover the water bed; if the water bed is not made there will be a great decrease in heat temperature if the bedroom is cool. Do not turn the water bed off temporarily to save energy because heating up a water bed from 18 degrees to 27°C amounts to a three or four day use. Ventilate the bedroom for a short time only. Otherwise, if the room is left open for a long time it takes a great amount of more energy to maintain the correct temperature of the water bed.

Microwave oven - Time and energy are both conserved when you make food in a microwave oven; it takes about 0,14 kWh to cook 250g of potatoes in the microwave oven but about 25 minutes (0,22 kWh) on a stove. Always use cooking utensils that are suitable for the microwave oven. When steaming or heating food it should be kept in closed containers, so that the heat is is kept even, thus conserving energy. By using smaller amounts of water less boiling time is needed; water can often be skipped entirely when using a microwave oven.

Stove – Make sure that the cooking pot fits over the hob. If the cooking pot is less than 2 cm in diameter than the hob then there is a 20% energy loss. An uneven surface on the buttom of the pot can lead to 40% more consumption of electricity. Always use a lid when cooking and avoid taking it off while boiling food. If the lid is not on the pot, energy consumption can be twice as much by not using it. It takes twice or three times as much energy to broil food in the oven rather than by just frying the food.

Fridge – The fridge should always be kept in cold place as it uses 5% less electricity for each drop in degree in the surrounding environment. The proper temperature for the fridge is around – 18°C. Energy consumption increases about 5% for each degree lower than that. You should also make sure that the back of the fridge is kept clean and that it has sufficient air ventilation. Bad ventilation and dust can cause 30% more electricity use. Do not keep the fridge empty, as an empty one consumes just as much as a full one.

Refrigerator – The proper temperature for the refrigerator is 4 to 5°C. Each degree above that leads to an increase of 4%. Make sure that the ventilation behind the refrigerator is sufficient. Insufficient ventilation can cause an increase 5-10%. Refrigerators that do not have auto defrost options must be defrosted on a regular basis.

Coffee Machine – You can save about 30% of electricity by using a coffee machine rather than by using a kettle when making coffee. Use a thermos to keep the coffee hot, rather than the coffee machine itself.

Standby use - Many home appliances use electricity even though they are not on. Such electronic devices use remote controls, for example televisions, stereos and VCR/DVD players and other devices. All of them increase energy use. Even if the energy usage is minimal they are often kept running all year round.

Television – A television that is on standby can use about 3 to 18 watts, a total amount of 25- to 160kWh per annum if it is kept on all year round. This kind of expenditure can be taken out by turning the television completely off, as well as decreasing the odds of fire.

VCR/DVD – These appliances, when using a remote to turn them off, can use 100 kWh annually. Turning the VCR/DVD has its pros and cons. By turning them off completely you can conserve 100 kWh, though you have to reset the clock and date when turning them on again.

Other appliances – Transformers for 110 volt electronic devices use energy even if they are not in use. One must also bear in mind that many other appliances can be plugged in, even though one is not aware of it; like antenna amplifiers, electronic clocks and clocks in other devices such as microwave ovens, stoves and alarm clocks.

Some pointers on electricity usage
Electrical Fires – a danger that can happen when electronic devices are mishandled.

Fuses – They are still in use in older houses, make sure you have the correct ones: 10 amps for lights, 16-25 amps for larger devices and 35 amps for branches.

Old Electric Installations - Many work under more pressure which was not anticipated when they are installed, thus being outworn and faulty. Always let a professional check the state of these installations, and if necessary let them handle the appropriate repairs. Make sure that all electronic devices are taken care of before leaving the house.

Dangers and Accidents – Such events can occur due to inferior appliances and damaged extension cords, which are especially dangerous to children. Avoid using too many cords and make sure they are not damaged, or lying around where children can reach them.

Circuit Breaker Switch – They switch off when any malfunction is in the wiring or apparatuses. It is always a good idea to try and find the malfunction by disconnecting all circuits and all appliances. First put the switch in, then the circuit branches, and then finally plug each appliance in. Contact a electrician if need arises.

• Do not leave any items behind that children can put into sockets.
• Never try to fix wires or circuit boards yourself, that should be left to professionals.
• Do cloak lights or lighting with drapes or anything else.
• Do not put larger light bulbs into lamps, especially in ones they were not meant for.
• Overheating ( of appliances) can lead to fire.
• Good outdoor lighting around the home is a cheap and efficient way to ward off thieves.
• Always disconnect light sets when changing light bulbs.
• All electronic devices should have a CE certification, ensuring compliance to European standards.
• All illuminated ornamental devices should be disconnected whilst family members are away or sleeping.

Heated pillows and blankets

• Read all instructions carefully before plugging in. Never sleep with a heated pillow or blanket on.
• Make sure that they do not become creased and do not knead them together.
• Sharp objects should be kept away from them, also make sure that they do not become damp.
• Try to pick brands or types that have timed automatic switches that turn them off.
• Never use a heated blanket or heated pillow for children or the disabled, or others lacking proper heat sensitivity.
• Replace them if they are older than 10 years.
• Do not leave heated pillows or heated blankets connected.