Which appliances in your home use the most energy? Plus, tips on how to save money

Evan Moore
·1 min read
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As temperatures approach triple digits in Charlotte, many homeowners are running their air conditioning units at full blast, which can lead to high electricity bills.

HVAC systems are the biggest electricity consumers of any single appliance, accounting for about 46% of the average U.S. home’s energy consumption, according to Direct Energy.

While AC units use the most energy, there are other appliances in your home that could be driving up your electricity bill.

Which appliances use the most energy?

According to Boston-based utility company Perch Energy, the second-largest electricity consumer in your home are water heaters.

Since they’re used when you shower, wash dishes or do laundry, water heaters can drive up your energy bill.

Lighting can increase your energy bill, but using LED light bulbs can reduce the cost, Perch Energy says. Refrigerators also require a sizable amount of energy usage because they’re always on.

Here’s how much energy other appliances in your home use every month, according to Perch Energy:

  • Washer and dryer: 5%

  • Electric oven: 3%

  • Dishwasher: 3%

  • TV and cable box: 2%

How to reduce your energy bill and save money

Here are a few tips on how you can reduce your energy costs while running your appliances, according to BobVila.com, an online resource for home improvement tips.

  • If you have an old fridge, invest in a newer, energy efficient unit.

  • Air-dry your laundry or wash your clothes with cold water.

  • Use a power strip, which allows you to cut off power to multiple electronics at once.

  • Don’t leave your TV and game consoles on overnight.