You turn off lights more often, yet the electric bill arrives higher than last month. That can happen when the price per unit changes, the billing period is longer or another charge increases. Start by separating how much electricity you used from what each unit and the account itself cost.

A national average is useful background, but your home’s fair comparison depends on climate, size, occupants, equipment and rate plan. Your largest energy user may also run on gas rather than electricity. Use the choice below as a hypothesis to check against your bill and actual household setup.

What uses the most energy in your home?

Choose your best estimate, or select Not sure. Your answer opens a starting point for checking actual electricity use; it does not measure your home.

AC/heatingWater heatingAppliancesNot sure

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