The prices of everything are soaring, from groceries to gas to energy bills. With pay and salaries not rising in order to match the rate of inflation, many a homeowner is feeling the impact of rising prices and struggling to find ways to cut down on their expenses. As such, it’s only natural to wonder what home appliance uses the most energy and if there are any ways you can cut down on energy consumption with your appliances.
Here’s what you need to know about why energy prices are rising, the home appliances that use the most energy, and what you can do to bring your energy bills down.
Why Are Energy Prices Rising?
It’s more than inflation that’s causing energy prices to rise. Many people wrongly believe that the rise of clean energy is leading to higher energy prices. However, post-pandemic, the energy stocks are low and not recovering as they should. This, coupled with high demand, results in higher energy prices.
Governments have not been focusing on clean energy enough to fill the gap left by the depletion in gas and coal sources. Climate change means more extreme temperatures, which increases demand for energy as people strive to maintain comfortable home environments. Due to price collapses in 2014-15 and 2020, investment in oil and natural gas declined, which left the supply more vulnerable.
As you can see, there are a lot of factors that we’ve merely grazed over here that have been leading to high energy bills.
What Home Appliance Uses The Most Energy?
Did you know that in residential homes, about 35% of your energy is actually being wasted? This is quite alarming with rising prices. The average household in the United States only uses about 65% of the energy that they pay for.
This is because of “vampire appliances”, aka, appliances that use energy even when you are not using them. In order to cut down your energy consumption, it’s important to break down the highest consumers of energy in your household and to identify any vampire appliances.
Here is a basic breakdown of the average energy consumption of your household appliances so that you can know what home appliance uses the most energy.
#1. Heating And Cooling
Your HVAC system uses more energy than anything else in your home. Approximately 47% of your energy consumption comes from heating and cooling. This is because it takes a lot of energy in order for your HVAC system to keep your home at the temperature you set your thermostat to.
What You Can Do
Programmable or smart thermostats can reduce your heating and cooling when you do not need them. Regular HVAC tune-ups keep your system in good condition so that it doesn’t waste energy trying to run efficiently. Identifying any drafty windows and having them repaired prevents heated or cooled air from escaping your home. Weatherizing and insulating your home helps your HVAC system run its best.
During the winter, you can also wear sweaters and socks and the like around your home, so that you can have your thermostat set lower. During the summer, you can ensure your AC unit is shaded so it can run better.
#2. Water Heater
Next in line, we have your water heater, with taking up about 14% of your energy usage. Warm water is a modern-day luxury that many of us cannot do without.
What You Can Do
You can switch to an energy-efficient water heater, such as one that is ENERGY STAR rated. These operate more efficiently. You can also insulate your water heater, turn down its thermostat, or simply reduce how much hot water you use. Taking showers instead of baths is one such way that you can reduce how much hot water you use.
#3. Appliances
Your home appliances use a fair amount of your energy. Washers and dryers use about 13% of your energy, refrigerators use about 4%, dishwashers use about 2%, and ovens use about 3%. These numbers can vary depending on your appliances, their condition, and how much you use them.
In general, the home appliance that uses the most energy is your washer and dryer. If you don’t use your washer and dryer much, then the home appliance that uses the most energy may be your refrigerator, since it is always running. Generally, your oven and dishwasher use the least amount of energy of your appliances.
What You Can Do
Ensure that you load your washer and dryer properly and that you clean the lint trap frequently. Be careful not to overload them or to run loads that are too small.
Ensure that your fridge is not overcrowded and that you follow manufacturer recommendations for how to store items in it and what temperature to set it to.
Have maintenance done as needed, and ensure that any necessary repairs or replacements are taken care of in a timely manner.
Other Energy Users
Lighting is another significant factor in your energy bills. Electronics, like your TV and computer, don’t use as much as one might expect.
What Are Vampire Appliances?
Your microwave, television, printer, and computer are all some of your vampire appliances. You can save energy by unplugging your appliances when they are not in use, or putting them on a power strip that you can turn off when not using them.
Opt For Energy-Efficient Appliances To Save Money
Even the home appliance that uses the most energy in your home can be made more energy efficient by having it replaced with an ENERGY STAR appliance, that is designed to use less power.
Save On Your Energy Bill By Keeping Your Appliances In Good Condition
VanderDoes Home Services can help you save money on your energy bills by keeping your appliances in good working order. If you need maintenance, repairs, or replacements, we can help you out. We provide services for your washer, dryer, refrigerator, dishwasher, and more. Contact us to learn more about our appliance repair services today!
