Which appliances use the most electricity in a home?

Ever wonder which appliances use the most energy in your home and are running up your electricity bill every month? While you might think it’s just the lights or your TV, the reality is that certain appliances and systems are serious energy hogs. Their electricity use can add up quickly, making a significant impact on your monthly expenses.

If you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your model number at AppliancePartsPros.com to order them. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have thousands of free guides to show you how to install your new parts.

Important: The information provided in this article may not apply to your specific appliance model. While we strive to offer helpful advice for DIY appliance repairs, variations in models and configurations can lead to differences in troubleshooting steps, error codes and part replacements. For the most accurate guidance, we strongly recommend consulting the technical sheet for your specific appliance model.

Heating and cooling systems 40-50%

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems account for about 40-50% of a home’s total energy use, especially in climates with hotter weather.

• HVAC systems: Central heating and cooling systems, particularly those that rely on electric-powered heat pumps, consume a large amount of energy to regulate the temperature throughout the home. This is especially true in areas where summers are scorching or winters are frigid.
• Electric heaters and furnaces: Electric furnaces and space heaters draw considerable power, especially during colder months. In contrast, gas-powered heating systems use much less electricity, relying mainly on natural gas.
• Air conditioners: During the summer, air conditioning systems become a major source of energy consumption. Central air conditioning systems use more power than window or portable AC units, but they also cool larger spaces more effectively. Running an AC for several hours a day can significantly drive up electricity bills.
• Fans and ventilation: Although they use less energy than heating or cooling systems, ceiling fans and ventilation systems also contribute to overall energy use, particularly if they are left running constantly for airflow.

Pro Tip– Regular maintenance like cleaning filters, adjusting thermostat settings, and using smart thermostats, can significantly reduce the electricity consumed by heating and cooling.

Water heating 14-18%

Water heaters account for 14-18% of the total energy used in a household. Whether you’re washing dishes, taking a shower, or doing laundry, hot water plays a significant role in daily life, and heating it consumes power.

• Traditional water heaters: These typically store hot water in a tank, keeping it at a constant temperature until it’s needed. Because the water must be reheated throughout the day (even when not in use), traditional electric water heaters can consume a lot of energy. Larger tanks or households that use more hot water require more electricity to maintain.
• Tankless water heaters: These heaters provide hot water on demand, meaning they only use electricity when the water is being heated for immediate use. While they may save energy by eliminating the need to constantly heat a large water tank, they can still draw considerable power during peak usage times, especially if multiple hot water outlets are used simultaneously.

Pro Tip- Flushing the water heater to prevent sediment buildup, and lowering the thermostat to around 120°F (49°C) can help reduce energy consumption.

Read more: Money Saver: Cleaning With These Brushes Lowered My Electric Bill

Large appliances

Large household appliances are some of the biggest electricity users, running consistently or in cycles throughout the day, especially for older models.

• Refrigerators and freezers: Since refrigerators and freezers run 24/7 to keep food cold, they are among the top electricity consumers in a home. Older models are often less efficient, using more power than newer appliances. A typical refrigerator can account for up to 10-15% of the total energy bill.
• Clothes dryers: Electric dryers require substantial power to generate heat. Because they run on high heat and use air circulation, they consume more energy than most other appliances. Gas dryers use less electricity, but electric models are more common in homes without gas hookups.
• Washing machines: While not as energy intensive as dryers, washing machines still contribute to energy consumption, particularly when using hot water cycles. High-efficiency (HE) washing machines use less water and energy, but frequent use can still add up.

Kitchen appliances

Kitchen appliances can also consume a lot of electricity, especially if used frequently. Here are some of the biggest energy users in the kitchen:

• Ovens and stovetops: Electric ovens and stovetops use a significant amount of electricity, especially when cooking at high temperatures or for long periods. Gas stoves consume less electricity but still contribute to energy use for fans or lights.
• Microwaves: Microwaves are more energy-efficient than ovens for reheating or cooking smaller portions because they cook food quickly. However, frequent use of microwaves can still add to your electricity consumption, especially in combination with other kitchen appliances.
• Dishwashers: Dishwashers can be energy-intensive, particularly when using the heated drying cycle. Washing dishes on the energy-saving or air-dry setting and running full loads can help reduce your electricity bill.

Other devices

There are a variety of smaller electronic devices and less obvious contributors to your electricity usage that can still have an impact, particularly if used frequently or left on for extended periods.

• Space heaters and portable AC units: While they may seem convenient, portable space heaters and AC units use a lot of electricity to heat or cool specific rooms. These devices can be less efficient than central heating or cooling systems.
• Small kitchen appliances: Blenders, coffee makers, toasters, and other small kitchen appliances don’t use a lot of electricity individually, but their cumulative use can add up.

Pro Tip– Unplugging devices when not in use and opting for energy-efficient models can help reduce electricity consumption from these smaller sources.

Read more: How to Protect Your Appliances in a Power Outage

Energy star appliances save on electricity costs

The Energy Star label, which is backed by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), helps consumers identify products that meet rigorous energy efficiency guidelines. Upgrading to Energy Star-certified appliances can result in significant energy savings, often reducing household electricity bills by 10-50% over time, depending on the appliance and how often it’s used.

• Refrigerators: Energy Star refrigerators are up to 15% more energy-efficient than non-certified models. Given that refrigerators run constantly, this can result in substantially saving money on electricity bills over the course of a year.
• Washing machines: Energy Star washing machines use 25% less energy and 33% less water than standard models. Front-loading machines, in particular, are known for their energy efficiency compared to top-loading models.
• Dishwashers: Energy Star dishwashers are designed to clean dishes using less energy and water, with savings of up to 12% in energy and 30% in water use compared to older models. Many Energy Star dishwashers also include soil sensors that adjust the wash cycle length to the amount of cleaning required.
• HVAC systems: These systems are up to 20% more efficient than standard models. Energy Star furnaces, air conditioners, and heat pumps, can lead to lower average household energy bills, especially in climates with warmer temperatures.

Read more: Reduce Your Energy Bill with These 6 Easy Home Tasks

Additional information

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