Energy bills are a regular part of homeownership, but the cost can add up quickly. The average U.S. electricity bill is about $145.33 per month, according to data from the Energy Information Administration. The typical household uses about 843 kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity each month, at an average price of 17.24 cents per kWh (December 2025 data).
Those numbers reflect the electricity you expect to use for daily living, but they also include the impact of small sources of wasted energy, often called energy “vampires.” These are devices and appliances that continue to draw power even when they are not actively being used. Fortunately, there are several tools and simple habits that can help reduce your home’s energy use and lower your carbon footprint, which is good for both your wallet and the planet.
