Average electricity consumption based on your home size: how to calculate it?

Did you know that heating accounts for around 30.9% of a household’s electricity consumption, and that many factors such as insulation or the number of occupants can significantly affect your electricity bill? So how can you estimate your annual electricity consumption? To better understand your energy uses and optimize your energy management, follow our guide!

Main criteria for calculating average monthly electricity consumption

To estimate the electricity consumption of your home, several factors must be taken into account:

• the size of the home
  

• the number of rooms
  

• the number of occupants
  

• the number of electrical appliances and how long they are used
  

• the energy used for heating and domestic hot water
  

• the thermal insulation of the home
  

Keep in mind that your household’s electricity consumption also varies depending on how often people are at home (do you work from home or are you mainly present in the evening? is it a second home?), how frequently certain appliances are used, as well as your geographic location and the climate of your region in France.

Electricity consumption categories in a home

In general, the average monthly energy consumption of a household is divided into five main categories: heating, electrical appliances, domestic hot water production, cooking, and lighting.

In a 100 m² all-electric home meaning that heating, hot water production and cooking all run on electricity your electricity bill will likely represent a significant share of your monthly expenses, especially during winter.

Annual electricity consumption by usage category (percentage)

Electric heating: consumption depending on the home’s size and insulation

To estimate electricity consumption for electric heating, a commonly used reference is 110 kWh per square meter per year. However, this estimate assumes an average level of insulation and may vary depending on the condition of your home’s thermal envelope.

In detail, the average electricity consumption for heating varies as follows:

• between 5,000 and 7,200 kWh for a 70 m² home, depending on whether insulation is good or poor
  

• between 9,350 kWh and 13,650 kWh for a 100 m² house
  

• between 11,220 kWh and 16,380 kWh for a 120 m² house
  

• between 18,700 kWh and 27,300 kWh for a 200 m² house
  

Water heaters and household appliances: electricity consumption based on the number of occupants and their habits

Logically, the number of people living in a home directly affects the average electricity consumption required for:

• hot water production (around 800 kWh per person per year)
  
  

• cooking (around 200 kWh per person per year)
  
  

• use of household appliances (around 1,100 kWh per household per year)
  
  

Therefore, the number of daily showers and baths, as well as the characteristics of your water heater (older models or energy-intensive units), will influence your average electricity consumption. As an indication, consumption can range from 1,475 kWh per year for a household of two people to 4,250 kWh for a household of six people.

Similarly, the average electricity consumption for household appliances and lighting can vary significantly between homes. There are two main reasons for this: the energy efficiency of appliances and how long they are used.

For example, annual lighting consumption is estimated to be between 100 and 300 kWh per occupant. A refrigerator or LCD television typically consumes between 200 and 300 kWh per year. For kitchen or laundry appliances, consumption is usually between 150 and 300 kWh.

To learn more:

What is the electricity consumption of a television?

What is the electricity consumption of a refrigerator?

Electricity consumption in kWh: how it appears on your electricity bill

Taking all these factors into account, and assuming the home is fully heated with electricity, the average annual electricity consumption of a 100 m² house is estimated to be between 6,840 and 8,360 kWh, which corresponds to roughly €1,730 to €2,055 per year. Of course, these are indicative figures, as the final cost depends on the price per kWh offered by your electricity supplier.

For a 75 m² home (around 3 to 4 occupants), consumption is estimated at 6,633 kWh, resulting in an electricity bill of about €1,660 per year.

Annual electric heating consumption by home size

Understand your electricity bill | Allo ENGIE

Evaluating a home’s energy consumption with the DPE

The Diagnostic de Performance Énergétique (DPE) is an official assessment introduced by the French government to help homeowners estimate the energy performance of their property. It measures both energy consumption (in kWh/m²/year) and greenhouse gas emissions.

The results are displayed using two labels, similar to those found on household appliances: one for energy performance and one for climate impact. Based on the results, properties are classified from A (very efficient) to G (very energy-intensive).

Depending on the DPE rating of a property, you can estimate the average theoretical range of its energy consumption.

• A Class A property normally consumes less than 70 kWh/m²/year, making it highly energy-efficient.

• A Class B property theoretically consumes between 70 and 110 kWh/m²/year, indicating good energy efficiency.

• A Class C home theoretically consumes between 110 and 180 kWh/m²/year, representing moderate energy consumption.

• A Class D home typically consumes between 180 and 250 kWh/m²/year, which corresponds to standard performance.

• A Class E home consumes between 250 and 330 kWh/m²/year, indicating high energy consumption.

• A Class F “passoire thermique” (poorly insulated property) consumes between 330 and 420 kWh/m²/year, characterizing very energy-intensive homes.

• A Class G “passoire thermique” consumes more than 420 kWh/m²/year. These properties are the least efficient and are now prohibited from being rented in France.

You can request a DPE assessment from a professional certified by the Comité Français d’Accréditation (COFRAC) to identify priorities for energy renovation. However, it is important to note that a DPE is most commonly carried out when a property is sold or rented.

The assessment is mandatory and is based on several criteria, including:

• the size of the property
  

• its orientation
  

• the condition of windows and joinery
  

• the heating system
  

• construction and insulation materials
  

In addition to the classification, the professional also provides recommendations for renovation work (heating systems, electrical upgrades or insulation improvements) to help reduce both energy consumption and monthly energy bills.

Explore the French version of this article