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Which Appliances Hog the Most Energy?

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Nowadays, most people rely on at least half a dozen appliances to fulfill everyday responsibilities, and even more are typically used due to their convenience. Because each and every appliance depends on energy to operate, you could be using much more energy than you are aware of, or more than you intended. Below, we’ve listed the most common appliances that use up your home’s energy so that people are more aware of how and when they can cut back on energy levels and, furthermore, save on monthly bills.

Biggest Energy Hogs

HVAC Unit

Unsurprisingly, your heating and air conditioning systems use roughly 47% of your home’s energy — just under half of it! The actual percentage will vary and depends on the HVAC models present in your home. Modern systems feature more energy-saving benefits than older ones, so you may want to look into an upgrade if yours has been around for a while.

Water Heater

Although the average percentage of energy consumed by your water heater is 14%, this also depends on the type you have. While a tankless water heater heats the water only as needed, a more conventional model continuously heats up water, inevitably burning more energy.

Lighting

Lighting, both interior and exterior, averages 12% of energy consumption. This is an easier appliance to manage, as even simply turning lights off when not in use will decrease the amount of energy used. Timers and motion sensors can make sure lights turn off when no one’s in a room or the household has gone to bed for the night.

Washer & Dryer

Depending on how frequently you wash your clothes, washers and dryers can use up to 13% of your home’s energy. Simple ways to cut back energy use are by limiting the number of loads you wash (does that shirt really need to be in a load by itself?), as well as not washing with hot water unless necessary.

Refrigerator

Using roughly 4% of energy, refrigerators are more difficult to put on an energy diet, as they must remain plugged in for the sake of your food. But there are steps you can take to save energy; for example, avoid putting hot food directly into the fridge, and keep it full so there’s less air to keep cool. Consider upgrading to a modern refrigerator to take advantage of newer energy-efficiency measures.

Oven

Also depending upon the habits of the owner, electric ovens typically use 3%-4% of your home’s energy. While some people rarely use their oven, many others use it daily. A way to cut back on energy use is by ensuring your oven is well-insulated and heat doesn’t escape when the door is shut. Gas ovens require far less electricity, relying on it for ignition and any accessories like a clock or timer.

TV

The television of a typical homeowner eats up 3% of total household energy. When things like your TV, cable box, DVD player, and gaming consoles aren’t in use, unplugging them can save energy.

Dishwasher

Some people use dishwashers daily, while others don’t use them at all. These appliances account for roughly 2% of energy consumption and can be even lower if you choose to hand-wash your dishes more frequently. (While hand-washing still uses water, the energy it takes comes from you.)

Computer

Although it may come as a shock, computers sit at just 1% of energy consumption in a typical household. While you may use your laptop or desktop constantly, many homeowners don’t actually own these appliances and rely on smartphones, tablets, and other similar items to function just the same. As is the case with other appliances, unplugging your laptop or computer when not in use will cut down its energy usage.

Are You Using Too Much of Your Home’s Electrical Capacity?

While being aware of how much energy you are using on a daily basis is important, it’s not always at the forefront of one’s mind. We heavily depend on our appliances for an array of tasks, but there’s always a risk of using too much energy. When your electrical circuit limit is exceeded and outlets are overloaded, the breakers will automatically shut off as a result — this could also lead to your appliances being damaged or even an electrical fire!

If your circuit is overloaded, try redistributing your electrical currents so that they are not all shooting toward one specific spot. Implementing the previously mentioned energy-saving habits is a great way to guarantee your outlets aren’t overloaded and your electrical capacity isn’t exceeded.

Wenbrooke Services specializes in electrical services that are a cut above the rest. Call us today at (240) 394-1500 or hop online to check out our offers and schedule a service with us. We can’t wait to work with you!