Get matched with top energy efficiency auditors in Mandan, ND

Home power is measured in kilowatt-hours, commonly expressed as kWh. The average home uses between 800 and 1,000 kWh per month. Peak usage (and highest bills) occurs in the middle of summer and the depths of winter. Keeping on top of your usage during these crucial months will lower your annual average usage considerably. 

To find a reputable home energy auditor, start by researching local companies that offer the service and check their reviews, methods, and certifications. The most reputable professionals are often Home Energy Professional (HEP)-certified by the Building Performance Institute (BPI). You can also consult the Department of Energy’s certified list of energy auditors or use a state licensing tool to review local guidelines and ensure you are hiring a certified professional for your area.

To determine the right size generator for your house, you should calculate the total wattage of the appliances and devices you want to power during an outage. List all essential items, note their start-up wattages, and add them together.

Here are some typical wattage requirements for common appliances:

• Refrigerator: 600 watts

• Large dehumidifier: 700 watts

• Large window air conditioner: 1,400 watts

• Water heater: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

• Electric furnace: 5,000 to 25,000 watts

A 7,500-watt generator might be sufficient for essentials like a refrigerator, freezer, well pump, and lighting circuits. However, for high-demand items like a water heater or furnace, a whole-home generator is a better choice. A portable generator may be enough if you only need to power a few critical items.

While home square footage can offer a rough estimate, it is not always a reliable indicator. For reference, here are some typical generator sizes based on square footage:

• 1,000 sq ft: 6–9 kW

• 1,500 sq ft: 7–10 kW

• 2,000 sq ft: 10–14 kW

• 2,500 sq ft: 12–16 kW

• 3,000 sq ft: 16–20 kW+

For the most accurate sizing, consult a professional who can calculate your home's peak and average power consumption and recommend the optimal generator.

Thankfully, LED lights use less electricity than incandescent lights, meaning you won’t spend as much on utility bills by using these light strips. Each 5-meter LED light strip will cost about $3 per year on your energy bill.