9 Everyday Devices That Can Send Your Power Bill Higher

According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s latest data, Americans are paying 22% more for electricity than they did five years ago.

Many people rarely think about how much power their homes consume beyond switching off a light when leaving a room. But appliances and electronics can add up fast, and small changes in daily habits may help trim household costs.

Below are nine common devices and systems that can account for a sizable share of an electric bill.

1. Heating and cooling

Keeping a home at a comfortable temperature is often the biggest driver of higher electricity costs.

Heating and cooling make up just over half of household energy use, and the U.S. Department of Energy says lowering the thermostat by seven to ten degrees when no one is home could cut monthly electricity costs by about 10%.

2. Water heater

Frequent hot showers can push usage higher. A water heater can account for as much as 18% of a home’s energy use. To reduce that load, experts often suggest setting the temperature to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, insulating hot-water pipes, and using water-saving shower heads.

3. Lighting

LED bulbs have improved lighting efficiency, but lights still represent about 10% of a monthly electricity bill. Turning off lights when leaving a room remains an effective way to save.

4. Refrigerator

A refrigerator is one of the most energy-hungry appliances because it runs all day, every day.

It typically uses about 7% of a home’s energy. Keeping the coils clean, avoiding overpacking, and placing frequently used items where they are easy to reach can help reduce how long the door stays open.

5. Washer and dryer

Laundry is not cheap in energy terms. A washer and dryer together use about 5% of a home’s electricity. Washing in cold water and air-drying when possible can lower that figure.

Running laundry at night, usually between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., may also cost less than using the machines during peak hours.

6. Electric oven

Cooking with an electric oven can be hard to avoid, but it still accounts for around 3% of a household’s monthly electricity bill.

When baking more often, especially for holiday cooking, it can help to use the oven efficiently by preparing everything needed for the day in a single session.

7. Dishwasher

A dishwasher makes cleanup easier, but it still uses about 2% of monthly electricity. Saving energy is possible by running full loads and turning off the heated dry setting, which can shave a few dollars off costs over time.

8. TV and media

Televisions may not seem like major energy users, but they can account for the same 2% share as a dishwasher. Many models stay in standby mode when not in use, so unplugging them completely can help reduce waste.

9. Computers

Even with all the time people spend on computers, they generally make up only about 1% of a home’s energy use.

Still, it helps to avoid leaving a computer on unnecessarily and to set it to sleep after about an hour of inactivity.

Bottom line

Appliances and electronics are part of modern comfort, but that does not mean there is no room to cut back on usage and improve your financial outlook.

Using less electricity can benefit both your utility bill and the environment. For those looking for a more aggressive way to lower costs, solar panels may eventually bring a bill down dramatically, and in some cases to zero.