Otis Singleton
Many appliances and systems in the home consume a lot of electricity, and it is useful to know which ones use the most so that we can cut down on consumption and save money. The largest consumer of electricity in the average household is central air conditioners and heaters, which are used to keep the home at the right temperature. Heating, in particular, uses more electricity throughout the year, accounting for 25% or more of annual electricity usage. Electric water heaters are also a significant drain on energy, as they have to continuously keep the water in the tank at a high temperature. Other appliances that use a lot of electricity include washers and dryers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, dishwashers, and televisions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Heating and cooling appliances | 25%+ of annual electricity usage |
| Electric water heaters | 46% of energy consumption |
| Washers and dryers | 5% of energy consumption |
| Ovens | 75 kWh per month |
| Stoves | 45 kWh per month |
| Dishwashers | £35 per year in GB |
| Fridges | £70-£75 per year in GB |
| TVs, cable boxes, and video game consoles | 2% of monthly electricity |
| Lights | Cheap |
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What You'll Learn
Heating and cooling systems
To reduce electricity usage from heating and cooling systems, you can:
- Purchase an energy-efficient heating and cooling system.
- Regularly maintain your heating and cooling systems.
- Insulate and air seal your home.
- Use energy-efficient windows and skylights.
- Install a smart thermostat to control the temperature when you are home or away.
- Use a ceiling fan to help a room feel cooler in the summer and push warm air from the ceiling back down into the room in the winter.
- Reduce the electricity load from appliances such as the oven and stove, which can also make your home warmer.
- Take advantage of state and federal incentives to upgrade appliances that contribute to high energy use.
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Electric water heaters
The consumption of an electric water heater depends on its capacity in litres and its energy efficiency rating. On average, a water heater runs at around 1125 watts, but some more powerful heaters can use up to 4000 watts. The consumption of electric water heaters varies between 400 and 3000 kWh per year.
There are several ways to reduce the energy consumption of your electric water heater. Firstly, lower the temperature setting on your water tank. Most water heaters are set to 140°F, but lowering the temperature to 120°F is still high enough to provide warm water for showers and kill bacteria. Lowering the temperature can save up to 18% on your electric bill.
Secondly, consider insulating your water heater tank. Insulation helps to reduce heat loss, leading to energy savings of between 7% and 16% annually. Additionally, flushing the sediment from your tank at least once a year is important. Sediment buildup, usually from minerals like calcium and magnesium, affects the tank's ability to maintain a consistent temperature, reducing energy efficiency.
Finally, installing a low-flow showerhead is a simple and inexpensive way to reduce your hot water usage, lowering your electricity costs and carbon footprint.
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Washers and dryers
The electricity consumption of washers and dryers varies based on several factors. Firstly, the age of the appliances plays a role; older machines tend to use more electricity over time. Secondly, the type of machine impacts consumption. Front-load washers, for instance, generally use less water than top-load washers. Additionally, the length of the cycle affects electricity usage, with longer, heavy-duty cycles demanding more electricity than shorter, lighter ones.
To optimise energy efficiency, consider the following strategies:
- Opt for high-efficiency appliances: When purchasing a new washer or dryer, choose high-efficiency models, particularly those with the ENERGY STAR certification. These appliances may have a higher upfront cost but will help reduce long-term electricity expenses.
- Run full loads: Washers and dryers consume the same amount of electricity regardless of the load size. Therefore, maximise the use of these appliances by only running them when the drum is full.
- Clean the lint trap: Dirty lint traps obstruct airflow, causing dryer fans to work harder and consume more electricity. Regularly cleaning the lint trap can help maintain optimal airflow and reduce electricity usage.
- Dry clothes in the sun: Air-drying clothes, especially during the summer months, is an effective way to save money. Utilise clotheslines or drying racks to dry your laundry without incurring additional electricity costs.
- Wash with cold water: Heating water consumes a significant amount of energy. By using cold water for washing, you can significantly reduce power consumption and lower your overall electricity bill.
By implementing these simple measures, homeowners can effectively manage their electricity usage and reduce the impact of washers and dryers on their energy bills.
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Kitchen appliances
Refrigerators are another major contributor to electricity consumption in the kitchen. They operate around the clock and consume between 100-800 kWh annually, making up about 6% of a household's energy use. The exact consumption depends on the size, model, and energy efficiency of the refrigerator. Larger units or older models generally consume more energy than newer, energy-efficient alternatives.
Dishwashers are also notable energy consumers in the kitchen. They, along with washing machines and tumble dryers, account for 14% of a typical energy bill. The energy required to heat the water or air inside these appliances contributes to their high electricity usage. Running full loads, using energy-saving settings, and allowing dishes to air-dry can help reduce electricity consumption.
Other kitchen appliances that consume electricity include kettles, toasters, and coffee makers. Even when not in use, some of these appliances continue to draw power if they remain plugged in. Therefore, it is advisable to unplug them when not in use to conserve energy.
To reduce electricity consumption in the kitchen, consider the following:
- Opt for energy-efficient appliances with a good energy rating.
- Use smaller appliances like toaster ovens, microwaves, or slow cookers instead of a conventional oven.
- Only use the dishwasher when it is full and utilise the "economy" setting.
- Avoid placing the refrigerator next to the oven or boiler, as this causes it to work harder to maintain cool temperatures.
- Keep the refrigerator well-maintained, such as by cleaning the coils and ensuring proper door seals.
- Switch to energy-efficient light bulbs, such as LEDs, to reduce lighting-related energy consumption.
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Televisions
The bigger the screen, the more power your TV requires. The receiver and speakers consume a small amount of energy, but the screen is what drives TV energy usage. So, when choosing a new TV, it is worth considering a smaller television.
When it comes to the type of television, newer TVs tend to be more energy efficient. LED-backlit TVs, for example, use a fraction of the electricity that older LCD screens consume, and OLED technology offers even greater efficiency. OLED TVs feature pixels that emit their own light and can turn on and off individually, allowing for lower overall power consumption.
To reduce the amount of electricity your TV uses, you can also adjust the brightness. While brightness can enhance your viewing experience, it can also cost more and distort clarity and contrast. Some newer TVs have automatic brightness control (ABC), which detects ambient light and adjusts the brightness accordingly. You can also put your TV in Eco mode or Movie mode for optimal energy efficiency.
Other ways to reduce your TV's power consumption include:
- Using the sleep timer, which powers down the TV when it notes that you haven't interacted with it for a while.
- Taking advantage of standby mode, which is similar to the sleep mode but powers down the TV after a period of inactivity.
- Using picture off mode when you only want sound, such as when using the TV for background noise.
- Buying a TV with an ENERGY STAR label, which indicates that the TV meets certain energy efficiency standards.
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Frequently asked questions
Heating and cooling appliances are the largest electricity consumers in the average household. Central air conditioners and heaters use a lot of energy to maintain the right temperature in your home. Heating generally uses more electricity throughout the year, accounting for 25% or more of your annual electricity usage.
Electric water heaters are also a significant contributor to electricity usage, as they need to constantly keep the water in the tank at a high temperature. Other appliances that use a lot of electricity include washers and dryers, refrigerators, ovens, stoves, and dishwashers.
You can reduce your electricity usage by choosing energy-efficient appliances, such as those with the ENERGY STAR rating. Additionally, you can follow energy-saving tips such as using smaller appliances, turning off appliances when not in use, and replacing halogen bulbs with LEDs.
