In our increasingly connected world, energy consumption is a major concern.
Beyond rising sea levels, extreme weather conditions, and melting glaciers, the rising cost of electricity worldwide has also led to other worries.
In its article, cybersecurity company and virtual network provider ExpressVPN revealed some of the biggest energy suckers in the average U.S. home are heating and cooling systems, lighting, and certain appliances.
As such, if you’re trying to save money, it’s important to consider reducing your usage of various appliances.
Below, we look at some of the most power-hungry appliances in the average home and the necessary steps you can take to reduce your energy consumption at home.
Article Contents
Air Conditioner
Air conditioners can account for up to 216 kWh per month in energy consumption, costing about $30.24 in bills.
To save energy, try to set your thermostat to 78 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when you are home and 85 degrees Fahrenheit or higher when you are away.
Alternatively, use a standing fan if you work from home and want to keep cool. You could also consider installing a ceiling fan. Both options cost approximately $1 and $1.28 per month.
Washing Machine
While hot water is great for removing water-soluble stains, it can also use plenty of energy and isn’t the most eco-friendly option.
To save energy, try to wash clothes in cold water whenever possible. If you’re particularly concerned about stains, it might be wise to use a stain remover on your clothes before adding it to the washing machine. You can also save energy by washing full loads of laundry.
Dryer
Dryers use even more energy than washing machines. To save energy, try to air-dry your clothes whenever possible and avoid using a dryer if you can help it.
If you must use the dryer because of the weather, try to use the dryer’s energy-saving setting and avoid using it for every single load.
Fridge and Freezer
Fridges and freezers use a lot of energy to keep food cold. To save energy, try to keep your fridge and freezer at the correct temperature, approximately 37 degrees Fahrenheit for the fridge and 0 degrees Fahrenheit for the freezer.
You can also save energy by regularly defrosting your fridge and freezer and avoid crowding the fridge with items.
In addition, avoid placing hot or warm leftovers in the fridge because this would cause the fridge or freezer to work harder.
Water Heater
Water heaters use a lot of energy to heat water. To save energy, try to set your water heater to 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower.
You can also save energy by taking shorter showers and washing dishes in cold water. You’ll also want to make it a point to turn off the water heater when not in use to save energy.
By taking these simple steps, you can save a significant amount of energy and money on your energy bills.
Energy Saving Tips
In addition to using energy-efficient appliances, you can do several other things to reduce your energy consumption at home and minimize your environmental impact.
Here are some things you can do to keep energy consumption low:
Unplug Appliances When You’re Not Using Them
Even when they’re turned off, many appliances continue to draw power in standby mode.
This is known as “phantom load,” which can continue to draw power while they are switched off or in standby mode.
Appliances like televisions, laptop chargers, coffee makers, and cell phone chargers are regular culprits of this.
Use Natural Light Whenever Possible
Open your blinds to let natural light in whenever possible instead of using a lamp or turning on the lights.
Alternatively, consider switching from incandescent bulbs to LED bulbs, as they have a lower wattage but still have the same light output.
Some brands also create smart LED bulbs that you can change the colors of and control through your smartphone to adjust the lighting in your home.
This also means you can turn off the lights remotely should you forget.
Weatherize Your Home
Seal any cracks or gaps around windows and doors to prevent air leaks. This will help keep your home cooler in the summer when using an air conditioner and warmer in the winter when using a radiator. All of this will greatly reduce your energy consumption.
Upgrade To Energy-efficient Appliances
If you plan to buy a new appliance, look for one that is Energy Star certified. Energy Star appliances use less energy than standard appliances, saving you money on energy bills.
By following these tips, you can reduce your energy consumption and save money on your energy bills.
