Which Home Appliances Use the Most Electricity?
If your energy bill seems higher than expected, your appliances might be the reason. Some use more electricity than others—and knowing which ones have the biggest impact can help you make smarter choices at home. Here’s a breakdown from the electrical experts at H&S Heating and Air Conditioning of the most power-hungry appliances in your home and what you can do to keep energy costs in check. Contact us today if you need an inspection, electrical maintenance, or repairs!
1. Heating and Cooling Systems
No surprise here! Your HVAC system is often the most significant energy user in the house.
Depending on your climate and usage, central air conditioning, furnaces, and heat pumps can account for over 40% of your total electricity use.
How to Save Energy on Climate Control:
Regular maintenance, programmable thermostats, and good insulation can help reduce their workload and energy draw.
2. Water Heaters
Whether it’s gas or electric, your water heater constantly produces hot water for showers, laundry, and dishes. An average electric water heater can use 12–18% of your home’s total energy.
How to Save Energy from Your Water Heater:
Lower the thermostat to 120°F, insulate the tank and pipes, or upgrade to a more efficient tankless system.
3. Laundry Appliances
Washers and dryers can use a significant amount of power. All-electric dryers are the chief offender in the laundry room, consuming about 2,000 to 5,000 watts per load.
How to Save Energy in the Laundry Room:
Wash your clothes with cold water, regularly clean the dryer lint trap, and air-dry when possible.
4. Refrigerators & Freezers
Most modern refrigerators and freezers are very efficient, but they run 24/7, which can add up quickly. Older models are worse, using up to 1,000 kWh per year.
How to Save Energy from Your Food Storage:
Keep the fridge coils clean, don’t overload shelves to allow for proper circulation, and make sure the door seals are tight.
5. Electric Ovens & Stoves
Cooking appliances can draw a lot of power during peak meal prep times. An electric oven uses about 2,000–5,000 watts, especially when baking or broiling.
How to Save Energy in the Kitchen:
For small meals, use smaller appliances like toaster ovens or air fryers, and cover pots when boiling water for more efficient heating.
6. Dishwashers
Dishwashers use both electricity and hot water, which can double their energy demand. Most use around 1,200–1,500 watts per cycle.
How to Save Energy on Washing Dishes:
Run full loads, skip heated dry cycles, and use the energy-saving mode if available.
7. Electronics & “Phantom Load”
TVs, game consoles, and devices left on standby still pull power. This “phantom” or standby power can account for up to 10% of your monthly usage.
How to Reduce “Phantom Load”:
Use power strips and eliminate phantom load by switching off the strips or unplugging devices when not in use.
Contact H&S for Your Electrical Needs
Understanding which appliances use electricity most is the first step toward a more energy-efficient home. Small changes like adjusting your thermostat or upgrading a few devices can lead to big savings over time.
Want to make sure your electrical system is running as efficiently as possible? Contact H&S Heating and Air Conditioning today to schedule an inspection or ask about energy-saving upgrades for your home. We’re experts in both HVAC and electrical, and we’re just a call away at (320) 654-1522. Or, if you’re more of a keyboard warrior, fill out our contact form. We’ve got you covered!
H&S Heating and A/C
H&S Heating & A/C