Could one appliance in your home be secretly doubling your electricity bill? While you might be careful about turning off lights or unplugging devices, this sneaky appliance consumes as much energy in a minute as others do in hours. Let’s take a closer look at the top energy-consuming appliances in your home and how you can save.
Air conditioners are the biggest energy hogs, using about 17% of your home’s energy. To save, set your thermostat to 75°F when you’re home and 78°F when you’re away. Space heating comes in second, accounting for 15% of energy use. Lowering your thermostat to 68°F during the day and 58-60°F at night can help reduce costs.
Water heaters are another major energy drain, making up around 14% of your bill. Insulating your tank, lowering the temperature to 120°F, and using less hot water can all help cut back on energy use. Lighting, which accounts for about 10% of energy consumption, is an easy fix—switch to LED bulbs. Replacing just five bulbs can save you up to $75 a year.
Refrigerators use about 7% of your home’s energy. Keep the coils clean, choose ENERGY STAR models, and consider removing that extra fridge you rarely use. TVs and electronics also consume around 7% of your energy. Using power strips and reducing screen brightness can help save power.
Dryers account for about 5% of energy use. To cut back, air-dry your clothes or use the “cool-down” setting. Ceiling fans, which use around 2% of your home’s energy, can help you feel more comfortable without overworking your HVAC system.
Cooking appliances, including ovens and stoves, make up about 1.5% of energy use. To save energy, use your microwave more often, skip preheating when possible, or cook outdoors to avoid heating up your home. Microwaves themselves are energy-efficient, using only about 1.1% of your home’s energy and generating less heat than ovens.
These numbers are averages based on data from the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Your actual energy use may vary depending on your home, climate, and household size. By making a few simple changes, you can take control of your energy consumption and keep your bills from skyrocketing.
