Fridge
Several factors affect your refrigerator’s energy consumption, including size, temperature setting, age, and location. Consider recruiting an energy meter to quantify the power usage, paying particular attention to the cumulative power consumption reading. After analyzing the results, decide whether it makes sense to invest in a newer, energy-saving unit.
Related: 9 Signs You Need to Replace Your Fridge
Water Heater
An average 52-gallon water heater can cost more than $55 per month, according to the National Grid. You can gauge the efficiency of a unit through its energy factor (EF) as well as its size, first hour rating, and fuel type. Check out the Department of Energy’s guide to buying a fuel-efficient water heater.
Related: 14 Secrets of People with Low Energy Bills
Washer and Dryer
According to IGS Energy, most homeowners spend a minimum of $115 annually to run their washer and dryer. Because dryers use more energy, one way to save money is to air-dry or line-dry laundry. Alternatively, you can try washing with cold water to cut costs.
Related: 11 Things You Didn’t Know You Can Clean in Your Washing Machine
Lights
The U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) reports that residential lighting contributed to 7 percent of our national energy consumption in 2017. While exact usage and costs vary by household, homeowners can switch to more efficient lights to lower bills and reduce fuel consumption.
Related: 15 "Under $100" Lighting Solutions for Every Room
Dehumidifier
Many homeowners rely on dehumidifiers to prevent mold and fungi, but the handy appliance also boosts your electric bills. In fact, a constantly running dehumidifier costs upward of $100 per year. Energy Star provides helpful tips for reducing both costs and moisture by using fans, natural ventilation, and calcium chloride crystals to absorb excess humidity.
Related: 9 Bad Habits That Are Killing Your Appliances
Hot Tub
A luxurious addition to any home, a hot tub can cause a surge in monthly electric bills. When you calculate expended electricity at 15 cents per kilowatt-hour, a hot tub can cost as much as $558 per year—yikes! Another hidden cost of hot tubs is higher-than-quoted energy prices for heating water, especially in winter.
Related: 11 Air-Conditioning Mistakes That Spike Your Bills
Standby Mode
A study conducted by the National Resources Defense Council found that “a quarter of all residential energy consumption is used on devices in idle power mode.” This means that your fully charged laptop, your cable box, and even your “smart” appliances suck energy merely by being plugged in. To save money, use a power strip, which allows you to cut off power to multiple electronics at once.
Related: 9 Energy-Saving Home Upgrades That Pay for Themselves
TV and Game Consoles
Do you leave the TV on when you’re not home? Do you fall asleep before shutting off the gaming console? These bad habits could cost you upwards of $50 a year, especially if your screens are running continuously. According to a comparative review by CNET, plasma screens are the worst offenders; look for an LED TV instead, and dim the display to a comfortable level during use.
Related: 10 Weirdly Awesome New Uses for Old Appliances
Cut Costs
Surprised by the appliances guzzling your home's energy? Now that you know, you can make adjustments—like unplugging unused ones—to keep your bills lower and to do your part in helping the Earth.
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