1. What is Kilowatt-hour (kWh)?

A kilowatt-hour (kWh) is a unit of energy representing the consumption of one kilowatt (1,000 watts) of power for one hour. It's the standard measurement used by electric utilities to bill customers for electricity usage.

2. How Does the Calculator Work?

The calculator uses the following formula:

Where:

• \( kWh \) — Kilowatt-hours (energy consumption)
• \( P_{loads} \) — Total power consumption in watts
• \( h \) — Usage duration in hours

Explanation: The formula converts watt-hours to kilowatt-hours by dividing by 1,000, since 1 kilowatt equals 1,000 watts.

3. Importance of Energy Monitoring

Details: Tracking energy consumption helps identify high-usage appliances, estimate electricity costs, and find opportunities for energy savings and efficiency improvements.

4. Using the Calculator

Tips:

• For multiple appliances, sum their wattages before entering
• For partial hours, use decimals (e.g., 1.5 for 1 hour 30 minutes)
• Find appliance wattage on their labels or specifications

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: How do I find my appliance's wattage?
A: Check the appliance label, manual, or specifications. Alternatively, use a wattage meter for accurate measurement.

Q2: How does this relate to my electricity bill?
A: Multiply kWh by your utility's rate per kWh to estimate cost (e.g., 10 kWh × $0.15/kWh = $1.50).

Q3: What's the difference between watts and kilowatt-hours?
A: Watts measure power (rate of energy use), while kilowatt-hours measure energy (power × time).

Q4: What's a typical home's daily kWh usage?
A: Varies widely (10-30 kWh/day average in US), depends on home size, appliances, and climate.

Q5: How can I reduce my kWh consumption?
A: Use energy-efficient appliances, LED lighting, improve insulation, and turn off unused devices.