Electric Bill

It’s no secret that certain appliances use a great deal more electricity than others. In fact, research has shown that appliances and electronics account for 45% of a home’s total energy consumption—and it comes at a price! 

When you’re trying to cut costs on your monthly power bill, it’s a smart move to consider what appliances use the most energy, and which ones are most energy-efficient. 

Here are some energy-saving tips and ideas for using energy-saving appliances instead of those that drain your daily consumption more than necessary. Read on for some helpful hints for staying on track with your budget. 

WORST-Although not technically “appliances,” HVAC systems and space heaters lead the pack when it comes to consuming the most energy in your home.Try turning the thermostat up in the summer when you’re not at home, and turning it down in the winter months during those times you’re not there. 

WORST—Water Heaters, particularly older models, by far use the most energy in your home, accounting for approximately 14% of total usage. Older models typically are not well-insulated, adding to the problem. 

However, newer models, including solar and heat pump versions, are much more efficient than their outdated predecessors. 

Cut costs tied to water heater usage by setting the temperature at 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Remember, water heaters provide energy to both dishwashers and washing machines in addition to your sink, shower, and bathtub usage. 

BEST-ENERGY STAR appliances. When you see an appliance with this energy-efficient label, you’re automatically going to be saving some serious electricity consumption. These appliances have been deemed as using less energy than their counterparts by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency). 

ENERGY STAR appliances are not brand-specific, so you can find them at a variety of price points. If the model you’ve been eyeing is a bit pricier than a non-energy efficient version, consider the fact that a higher initial cost will more than make up for itself on the energy-consumption backend. 

BEST—Dishwashers

Even though these appliances use water, that allotment comes from your home’s water heater. Dishwashers alone only use about 1% of your home’s overall energy. Two tips for cutting down consumption with this already low-usage appliance is to try to run the dishwasher only when it has a full load, as well as skipping the drying cycle as much as you can. Your electric bill will thank you. 

WORST—Refrigerators

Like it or not, your fridge is the top offender when it comes to consuming the most energy in the kitchen—using more than all of your other appliances combined, in fact. 

When you consider the fact that your fridge is running 24/7, it makes sense. It also has a big job to do. Energy-saving tips for your refrigerator include keeping the temperature set around 38 degrees Fahrenheit, in addition to keeping the automatic defroster on. 

Keeping your fridge full also helps, because empty space requires more energy out of the machine to keep whatever amount of food is in there cold. 

BEST-Front-loading washing machines

A mere 1% of annual usage comes from these appliances. Research shows that front-loading versions use less energy than their top-loading competitors, partly due to the fact that they can use up to 40-50% less water. 

Energy-saving tips for washing machines include not overloading them, but making sure to only run full loads when possible. 

WORST-Clothes dryers

If refrigerators come out on top of the energy-consuming competition, clothes dryers are a close second, reportedly taking up about 5% of your home’s overall electricity usage. 

Your best bet for cutting costs related to your clothes dryer is to use it as infrequently as possible. Ways to do so include letting items air dry, hanging them to dry, or laying them flat. 

Ways to Cut Down on Electricity Costs

If you’ve taken all of our energy-saving tips into consideration, but still want to trim the fat off of your monthly power bill as much as possible, consider switching to a company that cares. If you’re in Houston, Dallas, or a deregulated area in Texas, Prepaid Lights offers a variety of unbeatable power plans and rates that are designed to save you money. 

By Anurag Rathod

Anurag Rathod is an Editor of Appclonescript.com, who is passionate for app-based startup solutions and on-demand business ideas. He believes in spreading tech trends. He is an avid reader and loves thinking out of the box to promote new technologies.