🛠️ Everyday UtilitiesLast updated March 29, 2026

Energy & Utility Cost Guide: Electricity, Fuel, BTU & Efficiency Calculators

Cut utility bills and optimize energy efficiency with data-driven tools

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4+

Calculators

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$137/mo

Avg. Electric Bill

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7 min

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Key Takeaways

Electricity cost = watts × hours used ÷ 1000 × rate per kWh. The US average is $0.16/kWh (2026).
BTU (British Thermal Unit) sizing: ~20 BTU per sq ft for cooling, ~30 BTU per sq ft for heating.
Fuel cost per mile = gas price ÷ MPG. At $3.50/gal and 30 MPG, you pay $0.117 per mile.
Switching to LED bulbs saves ~$75/year per household; smart thermostats save 10-15% on HVAC bills.

Energy costs are one of the largest household expenses. This guide — using data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration and Energy.gov — covers electricity pricing, BTU calculations for HVAC sizing, fuel cost optimization, and vehicle efficiency with our free energy calculators.

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Electricity Cost Calculations

The average US household uses ~880 kWh/month. Costs vary widely by state: Hawaii ($0.43/kWh) to Louisiana ($0.10/kWh). Track appliance-level costs by multiplying wattage × hours × rate. The EIA publishes monthly national averages. Calculate your bill with our electricity cost calculator.

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BTU & HVAC Sizing

BTU (British Thermal Unit) measures heating/cooling energy. Air conditioners need ~20 BTU per sq ft; furnaces need ~30 BTU per sq ft in cold climates. Oversizing wastes energy; undersizing can't maintain comfort. DOE sizing guidelines help fine-tune. Use our BTU calculator for accurate sizing.

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Fuel & Transportation Costs

Track fuel costs per trip: (distance ÷ MPG) × gas price. Compare commute costs between vehicles, routes, or transport modes. Current national average gas prices are tracked by AAA. Use our fuel cost calculator and gas mileage calculator for accurate trip planning.

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Related Tools & Calculators

4 free tools linked to this guide

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Electricity Cost Calculator

Calculate monthly electricity bills by appliance.

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BTU Calculator

Size heating and cooling systems accurately.

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Fuel Cost Calculator

Estimate fuel costs for any trip or commute.

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Gas Mileage Calculator

Track and improve vehicle fuel efficiency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate my electricity bill?

List each appliance's wattage and daily hours of use. Multiply watts × hours = watt-hours. Convert to kWh (÷1000). Multiply by your rate per kWh. Sum all appliances for estimated monthly cost. Our electricity cost calculator automates this.

What BTU do I need for my room?

As a rule of thumb: room sq ft × 20 = BTUs needed for cooling. Adjust for high ceilings (+10%), kitchens (+4,000 BTU), sunny rooms (+10%), and multiple occupants (+600 BTU/person). Our BTU calculator handles these adjustments.

How do I calculate gas mileage?

Fill up your tank, reset the trip odometer. Drive normally until you need gas. Fill up again and note gallons used. MPG = miles driven ÷ gallons used. Our gas mileage calculator tracks fuel efficiency over time.

How much does it cost to charge an EV?

Average EV uses ~0.3 kWh per mile. At $0.16/kWh, that's ~$0.048 per mile — about 75% cheaper than gas vehicles. A full charge for a 300-mile range costs ~$14.40 at home rates.

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