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Retired couple at home all day vs Couple in a house: Electricity Use Compared in Germany (2026)
Two people at home all day use more electricity than the same two people who are out at work, and the official benchmarks do not separate the two. The appliances are identical; the hours are not. Daytime TV, the kettle several times a day, lights on in winter afternoons, and a warmer house are where the difference comes from.
In Germany, retired couple at home all day uses about 2,700 kWh a year (€83.25 a month) and couple in a house about 2,700 kWh (€83.25 a month). That is 1.0× as much, or €0.000 more per month. Per person: 1,350 kWh vs 1,350 kWh a year.
Sources: Stromspiegel für Deutschland (co2online, with the Federal Ministry for the Environment), average consumption by persons and building type: 2 persons, house. Stromspiegel für Deutschland (co2online, with the Federal Ministry for the Environment), average consumption by persons and building type: 2 persons, house. Priced at €0.37 per kWh (BDEW Strompreisanalyse August 2026, 2026-08).
Where the difference comes from
| Category | Retired couple at home all day | Couple in a house | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigeration & freezing | 270 kWh | 270 kWh | +0 |
| Cooking | 270 kWh | 270 kWh | +0 |
| Washing, drying & dishwashing | 351 kWh | 351 kWh | +0 |
| TV, computing & network | 783 kWh | 783 kWh | +0 |
| Lighting | 324 kWh | 324 kWh | +0 |
| Other appliances | 702 kWh | 702 kWh | +0 |
- Hours drive this comparison, not devices: a TV on for eight hours costs as much as a console habit.
- If heating is electric, daytime heating in winter is the single largest difference.
- An electric blanket or heated throw in the evening is far cheaper than heating the room.
Only in the couple in a house
- Desktop Computer 357 kWh/yr
- Hair Dryer 99 kWh/yr
- Computer Monitor 71 kWh/yr
- Streaming Stick or Box 5 kWh/yr
- Printer (Inkjet or Laser) 4 kWh/yr
Only in the retired couple at home all day
- Electric Blanket 567 kWh/yr
- Slow Cooker 51 kWh/yr
The same comparison in other countries
| Country | Retired couple at home all day | Couple in a house | Ratio | Extra per month |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| United States (average) | 10,648 | 10,648 | 1.0× | $0.000 |
| United Kingdom | 2,500 | 2,500 | 1.0× | £0.000 |
| Germany | 2,700 | 2,700 | 1.0× | €0.000 |
| France | 4,287 | 4,287 | 1.0× | €0.000 |
| Australia | 5,237 | 5,237 | 1.0× | A$0.000 |
| Canada (average) | 10,750 | 10,750 | 1.0× | C$0.000 |