What Uses the Most Energy in Your Home?

November 18, 2021 8:58 pm Published by Leave your thoughts

Every household gets an energy bill at the end of every month. Costs go up and down, but you may wonder what are the home appliances that waste the most energy. The energy bill isn’t exactly helpful, as it only totals the amount of energy you and your family used.

Read on to find out more about energy-wasting household appliances.

Air conditioning and heating

It may come as no surprise that the HVAC unit is among the home appliances that waste the most energy. One study found that 46 percent of an American home’s energy consumption is spent on these tasks. You likely see your energy bills going up during the hot summer months, so this makes sense.

If you’re looking to lower your energy costs for heating and cooling, consider these tips:

  • Remember to replace the air filters on the HVAC unit. By having clean filters, the unit won’t have to work as hard to regulate the temperature.
  • Use ceiling fans to help the home feel cooler in the summer.
  • Keep the curtains closed on hot days to prevent the sun from warming the home. Keep them open on cold days to provide a small temperature boost.
  • Leave the thermostat at 78°F in the summer and 65°F in the winter.

Leaving appliances on standby

You might not think about it much, but electronics that are on standby (i.e., plugged in but not being used) draw a surprising amount of energy. A Department of Energy study found that this accounts for up to 10 percent of electricity use. This includes computers, video game systems and televisions. Shut these down when not being used, and unplug them to rake in the savings.

Water heating

Another leader in energy-wasting household appliances is the water heater, clocking in at about 14 percent. The average water heater runs for three hours per day, but you can limit the amount the water heater is used by doing the following:

  • Adding insulation around hot water pipes;
  • Turning the temperature on the water heater down while you’re away from the home;
  • Setting the water heater’s temperature to under 120°F;
  • Installing a solar water heater.

Lighting

Remembering to turn the lights off when you leave a room can save a surprising amount of energy. If you consistently forget to do this, consider installing a smart home system. This way, you can program the lights to turn on and off at specific times or even switch the lights off from your phone. Combined with adding energy-efficient light bulbs, you can save energy and money.

For more than five decades, Duke Electric Company has offered a wide range of electrical services to residential and commercial customers. We’re a locally-owned and -operated business with a team that’s dedicated to serving our clients. From interior and exterior repairs to installations, wiring services and more, we’re here to help. Give us a call right now, as our emergency services are available around the clock for your convenience.

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