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Florida’s Average KWH Per Day – How Your Home Compares

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In Florida, where sunny days are the norm, solar power is a great renewable resource for homeowners across the state to take advantage of to offset their energy needs. But how much power does the average Central Florida home use?

Understanding a little about how many kilowatt hours (kWh) are consumed daily in the Sunshine State can help Floridians make decisions about what size solar array would work for their homes. Follow along as our team at Solar Bear Orlando shares the average kWh consumption patterns in Florida and how they compare to national averages.

Kilowatt-Hours 101

Before we talk about Florida’s kilowatt-hour averages, let’s first cover what exactly one is. A kWh is equal to 1,000 watts used in one hour. So, if you use something that is 1,000 watts, it will use one kilowatt per hour of usage. We use this measurement to help us evaluate the energy consumption in homes and businesses before we install solar power.

It is estimated by the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) that Florida homes consume about 1,200 kWh each month, or 40 kWh each day. The national average is around 30 kWh a day.

So, why is the state of Florida’s kWh consumption slightly higher than the national average? Well, there are a few reasons:

  • Climate: We all know that Florida is hot and humid, which contributes to a lot of energy usage for air conditioning for almost the entire year, translating to higher electricity usage.
  • Home Sizes: Florida’s homes tend to be larger than other homes across the United States, which of course, leads to higher energy usage.
  • Population: As more and more people move to Florida, the energy demands across the state will also continue to rise.

While all of these factors are true, it is important to note that energy consumption in Florida is not the same throughout the entire year. During the hottest summer months such as the period from June to September, the daily kWh usage spikes due to heavy HVAC usage. Households across the state can often consume around 50 to 70 kWh each day.

In the cooler winter months, energy consumption can drop to around 25-35 kWh each day as cooling demands are offset by the slightly cooler temperature. 

Factors That Play Into kWh Usage

While it is important to consider the average kWh usage in Florida, some factors play into your specific home’s energy use:

  • Home Size & Insulation: It’s simple. Big homes require more energy to heat and cool. However proper insulation can help reduce energy consumption.
  • Appliance Efficiency: Using Energy Star-rated appliances can lead to higher savings and less energy consumption.
  • Lifestyle: Consider how many people live in your home, what their daily routine is, and the use of appliances and electronics on a daily basis.

The best way to determine your energy consumption is to inspect your energy bill, which often shows your total kWh usage. By dividing this amount by the number of days in the billing cycle you can calculate your daily average.

You can also estimate energy use by appliances, to see where to most consumption is coming from.

Lowering Your Energy Usage

If you feel that your kWh hour usage exceeds Florida’s average, there are several things you can do to save on your energy costs.

  • Upgrade to Energy-Star Appliances: These energy-efficient models consume less power overall.
  • Use Smart Thermostats: Smart thermostats help homeowners optimize their HVAC usage by allowing them to control energy use even if they aren’t at home.
  • Ensure Your Home has Proper Insulation: To prevent energy loss from air leaks, make sure that your windows and doors are properly sealed.
  • Install a Solar System: Installing a solar array can have a big impact on your home’s energy usage, especially when you take advantage of banking power in solar batteries and enrolling in net metering. The best part? We can design a solar system that will perfectly fit your family’s unique needs and lower your overall energy usage.

Read More > Do Solar Panels Increase Florida Property Taxes?

Choose Solar Bear Orlando for Central Florida Solar

Ready to save big on your monthly energy bills? Don’t wait! Our team at Solar Bear Orlando is here to help design a perfectly sized solar panel system that can significantly impact your energy usage at your Orlando home or business.

Get started by getting a free estimate or by calling us at (727) 471-7442 today!