Saying that a house uses 1 kilowatt of electricity is like saying a car uses 1 gallon of gas. True, it will run, but for how long?
In cars, they measure energy used over distance, or the miles traveled per gallon. In houses, they use kilowatt-hours, the energy used over time.
A kilowatt is only a snapshot of how much power is being used at a given time.
So sure, at idle, with nothing running like TV sets, computers, air conditioning and the like, your house probably draws 1 Kw. As soon as the thermostat kicks on the water heater, or someone powers up a hairdryer, or you put the toast down, you’re probably already above 1 Kw.
Look up the wattage of some of your favorite appliances and you’ll realize how small a kilowatt is. Now, imagine everything that runs in that hour, and add in all those watts too. Lots more than 1 Kw.
Maybe I should have mentioned I’m an electrical contractor? :)
Anyway, I was sleepy. I like your post.