The average watts needed to power a tiny house is usually between 100 to 300 watts of power. Compared to the typical modern houses that consume up to 10,000 watts, this is almost like a drop in the ocean.
As the cost of living keeps increasing, many people are embracing the idea of downsizing and living a more simple but efficient life. Tiny houses have become a popular way of living a simpler and more sustainable life in this era.
A tiny house is defined as any living settlement under 500 square feet. It is often built on trailers for easy portability. Now, if you are thinking of downsizing and living in a tiny house, you need to know how to calculate the number of watts you need to run it. Read on to find out how!
How to calculate power requirements for a tiny house?
If you are planning to move into a tiny house, planning it all is always a great idea. This way, you have a clear outline of all the does and don’ts when living in a tiny house. An essential aspect of this plan is knowing exactly how much power you need to power your house. The following techniques will help you learn how to calculate the amount of power you need.
Calculation of average power consumption
The power consumption process can be broken down into four easy steps: the calculation of watts used per day, conversion to kilowatts, usage over time, and cost calculation.
Steps of average power consumption calculation
| Calculation of watts used per day | To get the average watts used per day, you multiply the device’s wattage by the hours you use it. If, for instance, you have a television with 190 wattages and use it for 5 hours per day, the average watts used per day will be
Watts- 190 Hours used- 5 watts 190×5= 950 watts per day
So you will keep in mind that you will need 950 watts per day to power your television before purchasing a power supply system. |
| Conversion to kilowatts | The standard unit of measuring power is kilowatts (kWh), So for more accurate estimation, you need to convert your watts to kilowatts. 1 kilowatt is equivalent to 1000 Watts. So, using the example, we used earlier on,
5 hours of 190w TV = 950 watts 950 watts/1000=0.95 kWh Now, it is easier to rate your average power usage for your television and other appliances.
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| Usage overtime calculation | This is pretty simple, as you just have to multiply your daily usage with the amount of time you plan for. For instance
1 month (30 days) kWh per day (0.95) kWh/month 0.95× 30=28.5 kWh Your monthly usage will be 28.5 kWh |
| Cost calculation | With this knowledge, you can plan for your funds more efficiently and effectively and buy the appropriate appliances and power supply systems. |
Conclusion
As the cost of living increases by the day, the idea of downsizing and living a simpler and less complex life off-grid seems to be the new normal in a few years. Having an estimation of how much power you need to power a tiny home is one step forward to realizing the dream. With the information in this article, you are now equipped with the know-how to calculate your estimated power consumption.
FAQs
How many amps do I need for a tiny house?
If you plan on having the most standard electric appliances, you will require at least 30 amps for your tiny house’s electrical system.
How many watts do I need for a tiny house?
While using only standard appliances, you need around 100 to 300 watts.
