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Retired couple at home all day vs Couple in a house: Electricity Use Compared in the US (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 the US, retired couple at home all day uses about 10,648 kWh a year ($159.72 a month) and couple in a house about 10,648 kWh ($159.72 a month). That is 1.0× as much, or $0.000 more per month. Per person: 5,324 kWh vs 5,324 kWh a year.
Sources: EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2020, Table CE2.1, average kWh per household using electricity: 2-person household. EIA Residential Energy Consumption Survey 2020, Table CE2.1, average kWh per household using electricity: 2-person household. Priced at $0.18 per kWh (EIA Electric Power Monthly, 2026-06).
Where the difference comes from
| Category | Retired couple at home all day | Couple in a house | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heating & cooling | 4,249 kWh | 4,249 kWh | +0 |
| Water heating | 1,278 kWh | 1,278 kWh | +0 |
| Refrigeration & freezing | 1,033 kWh | 1,033 kWh | +0 |
| Cooking | 298 kWh | 298 kWh | +0 |
| Washing, drying & dishwashing | 596 kWh | 596 kWh | +0 |
| TV, computing & network | 618 kWh | 618 kWh | +0 |
| Lighting | 660 kWh | 660 kWh | +0 |
| Other appliances | 1,917 kWh | 1,917 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 282 kWh/yr
- Hair Dryer 99 kWh/yr
- Computer Monitor 56 kWh/yr
- Streaming Stick or Box 4 kWh/yr
- Printer (Inkjet or Laser) 4 kWh/yr
Only in the retired couple at home all day
- Electric Blanket 584 kWh/yr
- Slow Cooker 56 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 |