How much electricity does it take to power a house with all of the modern conveniences? I am building a rural home and would like to consider alternative power sources. To have AC, heat, a refrigerator, TV, and all of the things we use on a daily basis. What sort of ampage /voltage/wattage does a house require?

I have looked at many sites but none I have found give general requirements needed to figure the amount I might require.

Thanks

mr.yet

If you have well, like I do, I have a 200 amp service to cover that, which includes electirc to deattached garage.

tkrussell

Telling you how to do the calculations is not easy to do. If you get back to me with the following information, I can perform the calcs and layout to help you understand if you like, or at least give you the minimum size service that you will need.

I need:
Total square footage of living space, and does not include open porches, garages, and basement or attic.

A list of all electric appliances , to include any AC, or heat, and the volage and load of each in amperes or wattage.

You are correct to be asking the question, and the answer is much more than guessing or comparing to other homes.

bmacehtown

First,

Thanks for the responses. I have obviously not thought it out to this degree yet. I am still planning on the house designs, location on property, etc. I will need to get specific numbers on appliances and electrical devices to ascertain exactly what I will need power wise.

macka123

hey guys,

i am a 16 year old school student and was wondering how much electricity the average household would use?
this house must also be able to contain 4people living in it. is it possible to work this out?

thanks heaps

Washington1

Macka123,

see what Tk wrote above.

I can tell you this, we aren't installing anything under 200 amps for new construction homes---unless it's a non-service rated panel.

Now, this isn't to say you can't get up to 400 amps for a house. Not to mention I've even seen them higher