Controlling how much energy your home uses can lower bills, save energy, and get ready for future projects like adding appliances, finishing a basement, or installing a pool. This guide will teach you how to figure out how much energy you use now, estimate how much more you might use with new projects, and plan for changes in seasons to manage your energy needs—and your money—better.

Calculate Your Current Monthly and Annual Energy Usage

Your utility bill shows how much energy you use each month in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To get a better understanding of your total energy consumption, calculate your yearly average. Here’s how you can do it:

Monthly Average: Start by checking your utility bill for your monthly kWh use over the past year. If your usage changes each month, list out the kWh for each month. Then, divide the total by 12 to get your average monthly usage. For instance, if your monthly usage varies between 800 kWh and 1,100 kWh, dividing the total by 12 will give you a good sense of your average consumption.

Annual Total: Add up the kWh from each month to calculate your total annual usage. This gives you a more accurate picture of your energy use. By doing this, you’ll have a clear idea of how much energy you typically use. For example, if your total kWh for the year is 12,000, you can plan your budget based on that figure, while also predicting how projects like adding a pool might affect this number.

Understanding Seasonal Changes in Energy Use

Heating and cooling usually use the most energy in a home. These systems use more energy during extreme weather. In the winter, you use more energy for heating, and in the summer, energy use goes up because of air conditioning. When planning projects like finishing a basement or adding a workshop, it’s important to think about how each season will affect your energy use.

Winter Additions

If you’re finishing a basement, it may need extra heating, especially in colder areas. For example, adding a small space heater or a mini-split HVAC system could raise your energy use by 200-500 kWh per month. If you’re in a cold climate, the extra heating for your basement might cost you even more in winter months.

Summer Additions

Installing a pool uses a lot of energy because pools need pumps, heaters, and sometimes dehumidifiers (for indoor pools). For example, if a pool pump runs 4-8 hours every day, it could increase your monthly energy use by 240-480 kWh. If you add a heater, this number could double, especially in the summer when you use the pool more.

Seasonal changes can help you find ways to save energy. For instance, using a programmable thermostat in winter can lower heating costs. Also, using pool covers and setting timers for the pool pump can save a lot of energy in the summer.

Anticipating Power Usage for the Future

When planning home improvements like finishing a basement, adding a workshop, or installing a pool, it’s important to understand how each project will affect your energy use. Below are some examples of how to estimate and plan for the added energy needs:

Finishing a Basement

When you finish a basement, you might need lighting, heating, and cooling. If you add space heaters or a small HVAC unit, it could increase your winter energy use by 200-500 kWh per month, depending on the size and how often you use them. For example, using an electric space heater for 4 hours a day could add 200 kWh to your monthly energy use. On the other hand, if you use energy-efficient LED lighting, it will only add about 0.5 kWh per hour, making it a more efficient choice.

Adding a Workshop

A workshop can increase your energy usage with power tools, lighting, and heating. For instance, a small power tool may use between 300-600 watts, while a large power tool could use up to 2,500 watts. If you use these tools frequently, the energy use could rise by 100-200 kWh per month. Adding a space heater to keep the workshop warm in winter can add even more. If you work in your shop every day during winter, your energy costs can rise significantly.

Installing a Pool

Pools are known for their energy consumption. A pool pump, for example, typically uses 2,000 watts and runs for 4-8 hours daily. This can add up to 240-480 kWh per month. If you add a heater, the energy use could double, especially in the summer when you’re using the pool more. If you install a dehumidifier for an indoor pool, that will add even more. To manage costs, you might want to consider scheduling the pump to run during off-peak hours.

Electric Cars

Charging an electric vehicle (EV) can also increase your household’s energy use. For example, a typical EV needs between 7 to 20 kWh for a full charge, depending on the battery size. If you use a Level 2 home charger, it can draw up to 7.2 kW of power. Charging daily could add several kWh per day to your household energy consumption. If you have multiple EVs, the total energy used could increase significantly.

How to Budget for Power Usage Increases

Once you have estimated the energy use from your new projects, it’s time to adjust your budget. Here’s how you can do that:

Current Monthly Average: 1,000 kWh (12,000 kWh/year)

Added Usage for Basement Heating in Winter: 300 kWh/month from December to March (1,200 kWh/year)

Added Usage for Pool in Summer: 500 kWh/month from June to September (2,000 kWh/year)

This brings your total annual usage to 15,200 kWh, up from 12,000 kWh. This will also increase your monthly energy costs, so make sure to adjust your budget accordingly.

Managing Costs with Energy-Efficient Practices

If your new project pushes your energy use higher, here are some ways to save:

Switch to LED Lighting: Basements, workshops, and outdoor spaces all benefit from LED lights, which use up to 90% less energy than regular bulbs. For example, if you replace 10 incandescent bulbs in your basement with LED lights, you could save up to 100 kWh per year.

Energy-Efficient Appliances: Consider switching to energy-efficient appliances. For instance, an energy-efficient refrigerator can save up to 150 kWh annually. Look for appliances with ENERGY STAR ratings, which are designed to use less energy and save you money in the long run.

Install Timers and Smart Devices: For items like pool pumps or workshop lights, install timers or smart plugs to cut power during peak times or when they’re not in use. For example, a pool pump timer can ensure the pump runs only during off-peak hours, saving you money.

Consider Renewable Options: Solar panels or battery systems can help reduce the impact of large projects, like a pool, and offset the added energy use. A solar panel system can generate up to 10,000 kWh per year, depending on the size, which could help you cover the increased power demand.

By understanding your current energy use, seasonal changes, and the impact of upcoming projects, you’ll be ready to manage energy costs. With these strategies in place, you can plan for home improvements while keeping your energy usage and budget in check.