Most people think of air conditioning and heating as the main reasons their electric bills get so high. But plenty of everyday appliances also use electricity throughout the day, sometimes even when nobody is using them.
Some keep running to maintain a certain temperature, while others draw a small amount of electricity in standby mode. TVs, chargers, computers, and kitchen appliances can all use power while they’re plugged in, even if they appear to be off.
One appliance may not make much difference on its own, but the combined energy use of several devices can add up over the year. Here are some common household appliances to watch if you’re trying to lower your electricity costs.
Heating and HVAC Systems
Heating equipment can account for a large portion of your electricity use, especially during cold weather. Furnaces, heat pumps, portable heaters, and other HVAC equipment may run for hours at a time to keep your home comfortable.
Some systems also use electricity while waiting to turn on, monitoring temperatures, or running their fans. Sealing drafts, adding insulation, replacing dirty filters, and setting a reasonable thermostat temperature can help keep energy use under control.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioning can make a big difference in your summer electric bill. Central AC systems use plenty of electricity, especially during long heat waves or when dirty filters make it harder for the system to move air.
Window units and portable air conditioners can also add to your costs if you leave them running in empty rooms or overnight when you don’t need them. Closing blinds or using blackout curtains during the hottest part of the day can help keep rooms cooler and reduce how often the AC runs.
Water Heaters
Your water heater uses electricity throughout the day to keep the stored water hot, even when nobody is showering or washing dishes. This repeated heating can add up, particularly if the unit is older or the temperature is set higher than necessary.
Insulating the hot water tank and pipes can help reduce heat loss. You can also check the manufacturer’s recommendations for a suitable temperature setting and look into a more efficient model if your current water heater is nearing the end of its life.
Refrigerators and Freezers
Your refrigerator is one appliance that has to run every day, so there’s no real way to avoid its electricity use. It cycles on and off to keep food cold, while features like ice makers and built-in displays can use additional power.
An extra refrigerator in the garage or a chest freezer in the basement can add even more to your bill, especially if it’s an older model. Cleaning the coils, checking the door seals, and keeping the appliance away from heat sources can help it run more efficiently.
Electric Ovens and Stoves
Electric ovens use a lot of energy to heat up and maintain high temperatures during cooking. Some models also have clocks and digital displays that continue using a small amount of electricity even when the oven isn’t running.
Cooking several dishes at once and avoiding longer-than-needed preheating can help reduce energy use. For smaller meals, an air fryer or toaster oven may use less electricity because it heats a smaller cooking space.
Clothes Dryers
Clothes dryers are among the biggest electricity users in many laundry rooms because they need to generate heat and run for long periods. Drying heavy towels, blankets, and large loads can make the appliance work even longer.
Cleaning the lint filter after every load and checking the dryer vent for buildup can help air move through the machine. Avoid stuffing the drum with too many clothes, and try wool dryer balls to help separate items and shorten drying time.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers use electricity to heat water, wash dishes, and run their drying cycles. The heated dry setting can use extra energy, especially if you run the machine frequently.
Running the dishwasher with a full load helps avoid wasting energy on just a few dishes. You can also turn off heated drying and let your dishes air-dry instead.
TVs and Gaming Consoles
Your TV and gaming console may still use electricity after you turn them off with the remote. Many devices stay in standby mode so they can respond quickly when you switch them on or download updates.
Gaming consoles can also use more electricity if they’re left running or set to download games and updates in the background. A smart power strip can help cut power to devices that don’t need to stay plugged in all the time.
Computers and Office Equipment
Desktop computers, monitors, printers, and other office equipment can add to your electricity use, especially if they’re left on for hours each day. Some devices continue drawing power in sleep mode, while chargers and docking stations may use a small amount even when nothing is connected.
Shutting down your computer when you’re finished for the day can help avoid unnecessary use. You can also turn off monitors, printers, and other equipment when you don’t need them.
Microwaves and Small Kitchen Appliances
Microwaves, coffee makers, air fryers, slow cookers, and toaster ovens may seem harmless, but several appliances plugged in around the kitchen can add to your home’s overall electricity use. Digital clocks, timers, and standby displays may continue drawing power even when the appliances aren’t being used.
Unplugging small appliances you rarely use is an easy way to cut standby power. You can also use a power strip for certain countertop devices so you can switch several off at once.
Phone Chargers and Tablets
Leaving phone chargers plugged into the wall all day may seem like no big deal, but some chargers still use a small amount of electricity when they’re not connected to a device. The same goes for tablets and phones left charging long after their batteries are full.
A single charger won’t make a huge difference to your bill, but several plugged in around the house can add up. Unplug chargers when you don’t need them, especially in rooms where devices aren’t used regularly.
Space Heaters
Portable space heaters are small, but they can use a surprising amount of electricity while running. Using one for several hours every day can make your monthly bill climb, especially if it’s heating a large room.
Use a space heater only in the room you’re occupying, and turn it off when you leave. Keep it away from furniture, curtains, and other flammable materials, and never leave it running unattended.
Take a Closer Look at Your Everyday Energy Use
You don’t have to replace every appliance in your home to start lowering your electric bill. A few changes, such as unplugging devices you rarely use, cleaning appliance filters, and turning off equipment when you’re finished with it, can help reduce wasted electricity.
It also helps to pay attention to which appliances run for hours each day and which ones stay plugged in around the clock. Once you know where your electricity is going, it’s easier to decide which habits are worth changing and where you can save.
