Modern appliances, and the electricity used to power them, make our homes run smoothly and efficiently. Our clothes are clean, our homes are cool, and we use electricity for work, entertainment, and convenience. But each of these conveniences (and necessities!) comes at a cost, including driving up your electric bill. Keep reading to understand what appliances and other household items use the most electricity — plus discover ways to save on these everyday expenses.
9 Household Items That Consume The Most Electricity
Table of Contents
1. Heating and Cooling
Percent Used: 55%
Heating and cooling your home is the biggest energy sucker by far, accounting for more than half of your home’s electricity consumption. Whether you’re trying to cool your home during 100-degree days or stay warm when it’s sleeting outside, HVAC systems are designed for a home’s square footage and not for offsetting the outside temperature with extreme settings.
How to Save
Small, deliberate changes can help you save on this monthly expense, whether it’s air conditioning or heating. Open the blinds and let the sun help warm your home in the winter; do the opposite in the summer. Use fans in the summer; bundle up in layers in the winter. Invest in smart, programmable thermostats and consider these temperature guidelines from the Department of Energy (70 degrees for heat and 78 degrees for A/C). Adjust your thermostat 5 to 8 degrees when you’re not home for several hours.
2. Water Heater
Percent Used: 20%
After creating a comfortable air temperature in your home, another top electricity cost is your water heater for showers, baths, dishes, and laundry. Two main types of water heaters exist: 1) Traditional storage tanks that heat and store water and 2) tankless systems. There are pros and cons to both (such as upfront costs or capacity limits), but you can find ways to save with each.
How to Save
The default temperature on most water heaters is 140 degrees Fahrenheit, and the Department of Energy recommends reducing that to 120 degrees, with potential savings of $400 every year. Turn down your water heater when you’re out of town for an extended period, as well. Standby heat loss is a reality with water heater tanks, but insulating them well in cold weather can help you save. Find other savings by taking shorter showers and using low-flow shower and faucet heads.
3. Washer and Dryer
Percent Used: 10%
Big and small families alike use clothes washers and dryers on a weekly, sometimes daily, basis. This convenience also accounts for 10% of your annual energy use, and a few simple changes can put money back in your pocket.
How to Save
When using the washer, rely on the cold water function instead of warm to reduce the workload of your water heater. With the dryer, which consumes more energy, ensure the lint trap and vents are clean to optimize efficiency. Don’t overload your machines that may require extra washing or drying time. Finally, dry clothes on a clothesline or drying rack to save electricity and run your dryer at off-peak times during hot days.
4. Lights
Percent Used: 5%
The type of lightbulbs you use in your home have a big influence on energy consumption. Standard, incandescent bulbs have been around for 100 years, but use more energy and create more heat in your home. While less expensive upfront, incandescent bulbs have a shorter lifespan than more energy-efficient bulbs, thus creating more waste. As energy-efficient bulbs gain popularity, the average percentage of energy consumption from lighting is steadily decreasing (down from 20% just a few decades ago).
How to Save
Incandescent bulbs are being phased out and replaced with light-emitting diode (LED) bulbs, which are 75% more energy efficient. While LEDs cost more initially, the bulb’s lifespan of 50,000 hours is up to 50 times longer than an incandescent bulb! They emit more light but use less energy to do so. Compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) are another option using 70% less energy, but they burn out faster than LEDs. Switching all of your household light bulbs to LEDs or CFLs will save you hundreds of dollars a year. And remember the money-saving tip your parents always taught you: turn off the light when you leave the room.
5. Refrigerator
Percent Used: 5%
Refrigerators are a staple of modern-day convenience, running 24/7 to keep food fresh and safe. Many families buy in bulk and have an extra freezer or refrigerator, increasing their energy use for food storage. As technologies improve, however, families can find ways to save on refrigeration.
How to Save
Replacing older refrigerator models can help save every month on your power bill. Shopping for an ENERGY STAR refrigerator can save you about 9%, as they create less heat and operate more efficiently with improved insulation to keep the inside contents cold. For any refrigerator model, old or new, use these best practices: Set your temperature to 35 to 38 degrees, make sure there is good circulation behind the fridge (moved a few inches away from the wall), and ensure the coils are clean and the seals are airtight.
6. TV and Media Equipment
Percent Used: 4%
While streaming services have nearly replaced the evening news in American homes, families still use TVs for binge-watching their favorite series or gathering for weekly movie nights. Even with advances in technology, TVs, cable boxes, and video game consoles still consume energy while on standby.
How to Save
To reduce the “vampire power” draw of TVs and other media, use smart power strips and deactivate quick-start settings and standby mode. Reduce the brightness on your screens and turn TVs off when you’re not actively watching (aka wasting electricity with background noise). Finally, reduce your use by playing games or heading outside with your family.
7. Electric Oven
Percent Used: 3%
Baking bread, cooking your favorite family recipe, or making a batch of cookies are cherished family memories. But the electricity used to heat the oven and bake does have an impact on your power bill. Implement these ways to use your oven wisely, while saving energy and preserving those favorite kitchen memories.
How to Save
Use smaller appliances for small batches or reheating, such as toaster ovens, air fryers, or slow cookers. Don’t use ovens in the peak heat of the day, which heats your home and causes your A/C to work overtime. Don’t preheat the oven unless it’s necessary, and turn off burners a little early to let residual heat finish cooking the dish. Gas stoves also use less electricity.
8. Dishwasher
Percent Used: 2%
Dishwashers mean more family time outside and less time at the kitchen sink. But using your dishwasher with energy-efficiency in mind will also save you a few dollars each month.
How to Save
Your dishwasher emits heat, so run it during off-peak times of the day or over night when you’re using less electricity around the house. Pre-rinse dishes and run a full load each time. Turn off the “heat dry” function to let dishes air dry. When it’s time to replace, consider energy-efficient models.
9. Computer
Percent Used: 1%
From pre-teens to grandparents, nearly every member of today’s household has a computer for school, work, play, and connection. While not a huge household cost, consider implementing some energy-saving best practices to reduce your overall energy consumption.
How to Save
Laptops use less energy than desktops, so when you’re in the market for a new computer, consider the portable option. Utilize “sleep mode” and automatic power-saving settings. Use smart (advanced) power strips that prevent electronics from drawing energy when not in use, also known as “vampire power.” Unplug chargers when your laptop is charged.
Finally, consider ENERGY STAR models when it’s time to replace or upgrade any electronic or appliance. While the upfront investment may cost more, these certified appliances pay back in energy costs in a short amount of time.
Now that you know what uses the most electricity in your home, what steps will you take? To save even more every month, switch to a Payless Power no-deposit plan where you can prepay for your electricity and conserve energy every month.
