Although a kilowatt-hour (kWh) and a kilowatt (kW) are related units of measurement, they offer two very different purposes. Ultimately, expertise the difference between kWh and kW can aid you better monitor your power bill. Through this guide, we’ll start by looking in ~ kWh vs. KW definitions, and then relocate on to how they may present up ~ above your power bill.

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What’s the Difference in between kWh and KW?

It’s basic to acquire kilowatt (kW) and also kilowatt-hours (kWh) mixed up once talking around energy consumption. The main difference between kWh and also kW is in what they measure. To placed it simply, a kilowatt is a measure up of power and a kilowatt-hour is a measure up of energy; strength is the rate at i beg your pardon something provides energy, and energy is the capacity to execute work.


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On your energy bill, the kWh steps the lot of power that one appliance or maker needs to operation for one hour. Let’s rest the definitions down a tiny further:

The Kilowatt

A kilowatt is simply a measure up of exactly how much power an electrical appliance consumes—it’s ­­1,000 watts to it is in exact. You have the right to quickly transform watts (W) to kilowatts (kW) by diving her wattage through 1,000:

1,000W 1,000 = 1 kW.

The Kilowatt-Hour

A kilowatt-hour procedures the power an appliance supplies in kilowatts every hour. Because that example, if girlfriend clean her floors through a 1,000-watt vacuum cleaner for one hour, friend consume 1 kWh the energy.

Your kilowatt-hour intake factors in how numerous watts your appliances use and how regularly you use them. As soon as you check out kWh on your monthly power bill, that a measure of your electric appliances’ wattage and the amount of time you usage them.

The difference between kWh and kW, and what you view on her bill, is the kW mirrors the rate of electrical power you use, and also kWh suggests the amount of electrical power you use. Let’s go over a couple of examples that kW vs kWh in the paper definition of low- and high-power appliances to provide you a better idea of exactly how these 2 units affect each other:

Lower watts: If you room using a 100-watt device, such as a plasma TV, you would need to watch your favorite shows for 10 hours prior to reaching 1 kWh. Higher watts: If you room running a 2,000-watt appliance, such together a apparel dryer, friend only need to power it for 30 minutes to reach 1 kWh.

The power you use on a daily basis can quickly include up come 1 kWh if you are typically using high-wattage appliances in her home. Save this in mind, as energy companies frequently charge for power on a per-kWh basis.

How do You calculation kWh vs. KW?

Knowing the difference between kW and also kWh can give you an effective insights to assist monitor and manage your electrical energy consumption. To calculate the kWh of your appliance, calculation the lot of time you usage it and also write down the appliance’s wattage (generally uncovered on the label). Remember that one kilowatt equals 1,000 watts, so nothing forget to division your wattage by 1,000 to convert to kilowatts.

Let’s use a 1500W dishwasher you use for two hours per day as an instance for calculating kW and kWh on a monthly basis:

Divide the wattage by 1,000 to calculate kW: 1500 watts 1,000 = 1.5 kWMultiply the kilowatts by the hours of everyday use: 1.5 kW X 2 hours = 3 kWh every dayFind the full energy intake for a month (30 days): 3 kWh X 30 work = 90 kWh per month

Now that we understand the monthly kWh because that this device, let’s calculation the energy costs. Main point the kWh by your electricity provider’s monthly electricity rates. Because that the sake of this example, fine say it’s $.07 per kWh:

90 kWh X $.07 per kWh = $6.30 every month

Make a perform of appliances the you commonly use and do the very same calculations. You have the right to then begin to balance your intake by examining which appliances need the many power (kW) and energy (kWh).

How perform Companies measure My Usage?

Utility companies measure her kWh through digital meter right external of your residence where the power line goes into the property. While classic meters call for a utility service to come to your home, more recent digital meters have actually an electronic display that uses a high-frequency signal to send data come the energy companies.

Monitor Your electricity kWh

Now the you have a much better understanding that kW versus kWh, and also the various uses that electricity, you can take a closer watch at your bill and also begin to analysis your energy consumption. Because that a an ext detailed understanding, consider investing in a home power monitor. Numerous monitors easily accessible today are wireless and display her home’s energy usage in an app. Depending upon which monitor you choose, you may even be able to turn appliances on and off when you’re away from home using the app.

Lower Your power Costs


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You deserve to lower your electrical power bill by being energy conscious and also following some easy energy-saving practices. Change incandescent lightbulbs v energy-saving LEDs and get in the habit of transforming off the lights whenever you leave a room. Unplug or turn off appliances if you will do it be far from residence for a few days, and resist the urge to leaving your tools on standby as soon as you don’t need them.

Look into buying smart power bars for components of your house with numerous electronic devices (e.g. Entertain center, office). Girlfriend can collection a timer top top a smart power bar so the it instantly turns off power to the devices overnight. Part smart strength bars additionally cut strength to all devices once you revolve a specific machine off. Because that example, you might program a smart power bar to reduced power to your sound system and also television as soon as you rotate your gaming console off.

What Appliances are Energy-Efficient?

So, as soon as you’re ready to to buy that brand-new washer or dryer, be sure to check out the kW and also kWh ratings and make some energy-saving adjustments, favor washing with cold water and hang-drying your clothes.

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Utilize our Resources

As her Alberta energy company and neighbour, we’re here to market guidance on power use and also home improvement. Native finding out around Alberta regulated electricity prices and also natural gas rates to learning how energy is measured, we’re right here to help! contact us anytime in ~ 1.866.420.3174.