faq
type: FAQPage
main entity: Why did my electric bill double this month?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: A doubled bill usually means the home used more kilowatt-hours, the effective price per kilowatt-hour increased, or both. Compare kWh, billing days, and rate changes before investigating major household loads.
main entity: Why is my electricity bill high when nobody is home?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: An empty home still powers heating and cooling, water heating, refrigeration, pumps, security equipment, network gear, and standby devices. Hourly utility data can reveal the base load.
main entity: How much does a space heater cost to run per day?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: A 1,500-watt heater uses 1.5 kWh per full heating hour. At $0.17 per kWh, eight hours costs approximately $2.04.
main entity: How much electricity does an old freezer use?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Measure it over at least 24 to 72 hours. Multiply daily kWh by 365 and by the electricity rate to estimate annual cost.
main entity: What appliances use electricity when turned off?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Devices with displays, remote controls, network connections, chargers, or instant-on features can use standby power.
main entity: Why is my electricity usage high at night?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Common nighttime loads include HVAC, water heating, EV charging, refrigeration, pumps, dehumidifiers, and scheduled appliances.
main entity: How many watts are needed to run a refrigerator?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Many refrigerators draw roughly 100 to 250 watts while running, but compressor starting surge can be several times higher. Verify the specific appliance.
main entity: How much fuel does a generator use per day?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Fuel use depends on generator size, fuel type, electrical load, efficiency, and runtime. Use the manufacturer's consumption data at a load close to yours.
main entity: What is the best backup power option without gasoline?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: For selected plug-in essentials, a correctly sized portable battery is often the simplest gasoline-free option. Hardwired loads may require a professionally designed home battery system.
main entity: What emergency backup power is suitable for an apartment?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Prioritize rechargeable lights, power banks, a UPS, and a correctly sized portable battery. Never operate a fuel-burning generator or grill in an unsafe enclosed location.
main entity: How long can a battery run a refrigerator and freezer?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Estimated hours equal usable battery watt-hours multiplied by inverter efficiency, divided by the appliances' average watts.
main entity: How many kilowatt-hours of battery backup does my home need?
  type: Question
  accepted answer: Answer
    text: Add the watt-hours required by each essential load, divide by usable battery capacity and system efficiency, then add reserve and confirm surge power.