You're on the right track! Creating a form with pre-filled "typical usage" values is a great approach to streamlining the process. While there isn't one single, definitive "bible" for these values, here's a breakdown of where to find the data you need and how to approach building your table

1. Understand the Sources of Variability:

Before diving into specific numbers, it's important to remember that energy usage is highly variable. Factors include: Dwelling Size

Larger homes obviously use more energy.

Occupancy

More people = more showers, laundry, cooking, etc.

Geographic Location & Climate

Affects heating/cooling needs.

Appliance Efficiency

An old refrigerator uses way more energy than a new Energy Star model.

Lifestyle

Some people are home all day, others are gone from 8 AM to 6 PM.

Building Envelope

Good insulation reduces heating and cooling demand.Therefore, your "typical" values should be considered estimates and should come with a disclaimer.

2. Key Data Sources for Estimating Appliance Usage



U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)

This is the

most authoritative source. Look for their Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS). It provides detailed data on appliance ownership and usage patterns. The RECS data is broken down by region, housing type, and other demographics. Where to find it

Search the EIA website (eia.gov) for "Residential Energy Consumption Survey" or "RECS." You'll find reports and data tables. You'll likely need to dig a bit to find exactly what you need, but it's worth the effort.

Energy Star

Energy Star appliances themselves can provide clues. While they focus on efficient models, knowing the rated wattage of an appliance is crucial for your calculations. The Energy Star website (energystar.gov) also has general energy saving tips and information that indirectly relate to usage patterns.

Manufacturer Data

Check the manufacturer's websites or product manuals for typical usage information. Sometimes they provide annual or daily kWh estimates. This is usually on new, efficient appliances, though.

Utility Companies

Many utility companies have websites with energy-saving tips and calculators. They may offer typical usage estimates for common appliances in their service area. Search for "{Your State/Region} utility company energy usage"

Industry Associations

Associations related to appliances or homebuilding may have data. Examples include the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).

Building Codes and Standards

Sometimes building codes (like those from ASHRAE) have default assumptions about occupancy and usage for various building types. These are usually related to overall energy consumption, but can inform your appliance estimates.

3. Building Your Appliance Usage Table

Here's how to construct your table, combining data from the above sources:| Appliance | Typical Wattage (Watts) | Hours/Day (Estimate) | Days/Week | kWh/Month (Calculation) | Notes

--------------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------- | --------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Heating & Cooling | | | | | Dependent on climate zone

Central A/C | 3500 | 3 | 7 | 327.6 | Consider SEER rating, home size, climate

Furnace Fan (Electric) | 600 | 2 | 7 | 36 | Estimate based on hours furnace runs per day

Space Heater | 1500 | 2 | 7 | 63 | Consider only used in some rooms, variable usage

Water Heating | | | | |

Electric Water Heater | 4500 | 1 | 7 | 132.3 | Assume 1 hour of heating/day. Varies with family size and tank insulation. Consider heat pump water heaters.

Refrigeration | | | | |

Refrigerator | 150 | 12 | 7 | 56.7 | Modern energy efficient refrigerators use less. Old fridges can use 2-3 times this.

Lighting | | | | |

Incandescent Lighting (Avg) | 60 | 4 | 7 | 7.56 | Replace with LEDs! This is a HIGH estimate.

LED Lighting (Avg) | 10 | 4 | 7 | 1.26 |

Laundry | | | | |

Washing Machine | 500 | 0.75 | 3 | 4.5 | Consider load size, hot/cold water settings.

Electric Dryer | 3000 | 0.75 | 3 | 20.25 | Consider moisture sensor.

Dishwashing | | | | |

Dishwasher | 1200 | 0.5 | 7 | 12.6 | Consider frequency of use.

Cooking | | | | |

Electric Oven | 2400 | 0.5 | 2 | 5.76 | Consider frequency and duration of use.

Microwave | 1000 | 0.25 | 7 | 5.25 |

Electronics | | | | |

TV (LED) | 100 | 4 | 7 | 8.4 | Consider size and usage patterns. Older TVs use much more power.

Computer (Desktop) | 150 | 4 | 7 | 12.6 | Laptops use significantly less.

Game Console | 100 | 2 | 7 | 4.2 |

Other | | | | |

Pool Pump | 1500 | 4 | 7 | 126 | || Electric Car Charger (L2) | 7000 | 2 | 7 | 294 | |Explanation of Columns



Appliance

Be specific (e.g., "Refrigerator - Standard Top Freezer" vs. "Refrigerator - French Door Energy Star").

Typical Wattage (Watts)

Find this on the appliance's nameplate or in its manual. Use a range if you're unsure. You can also use a Kill-A-Watt meter to measure the actual wattage.

Hours/Day (Estimate)

This is the trickiest. Use the data sources mentioned above to find averages. Be realistic. This is where you'll need to make educated guesses.

Days/Week

How many days per week is the appliance used on average?

kWh/Month (Calculation)

This is calculated as follows:(Wattage / 1000) Hours/Day Days/Week 4.35 (Average weeks per month) = kWh/Month
Important

You will need to convert wattage to kilowatts by dividing by 1000. You'll also need to multiply by the number of days in the month to get the monthly usage.

Notes

Add any important assumptions or caveats. For example: "This assumes a standard-sized family. Larger families will use more hot water."

Key Considerations for Your Specific Form



Purpose of the Form

What are you really trying to determine with this form? Is it just to estimate overall energy usage, or are you specifically trying to demonstrate compliance with a utility requirement for PV offset? This will influence the level of detail you need.

Worst-Case vs. Typical Case

Do you want to use the highest reasonable estimates for each appliance to ensure a "worst-case" scenario? Or do you want to aim for the most typical scenario? The utility company might have guidelines.

Level of Detail

Do you need to break down lighting by type (incandescent, LED, etc.)? The more detailed you get, the more accurate your estimates will be, but the more complex the form becomes.

Customization

Allow for some user customization. For example, include a field for "Number of Occupants" that adjusts the hot water usage estimate.

Disclaimer



Crucially, include a prominent disclaimer stating that the values are estimates and actual energy usage may vary significantly. Something like: "The values provided in this form are estimates based on typical usage patterns. Actual energy consumption may vary significantly depending on individual habits, appliance efficiency, and other factors. These estimates are not a guarantee of future energy consumption." Iterate and Improve: Start with your best guesses, then track your results over time. Compare the form's estimates to actual utility bills and adjust the values in your table as needed.By combining data from the EIA, Energy Star, manufacturers, and your own experience, you can create a useful and reliable form for estimating energy consumption in new homes. Good luck! Flag for review