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What uses the most electricity in my home?
Direct Energy, December 13, 2023
4 minute read
What uses the most electricity in my home?
Direct Energy, December 13, 2023
4 minute read
Are you having a hard time trying to figure out why your energy bill is so high? When temperatures rise, our energy bills can be at their highest. We need to keep our homes as energy efficient as possible to prevent high electric bills. Finding ways to save energy and reduce costs can be challenging, so where do we start? With the help of energystar.gov and energy.gov, we explore the energy consumed by typical home systems, appliances and electronics, find out what uses the most energy and share tips on making your home more energy-efficient to curb your electricity costs.
Here's a breakdown of the most significant energy use categories in the typical single-family detached home:
Your electricity usage is measured in kilowatt-hours or kWh. When calculating an appliance or system's energy use, we calculate daily kilowatt-hours by multiplying the hours used per day by its wattage and get the kWh by multiplying that by 0.001. Learn more about calculating your appliances and systems' usage.
As your primary source of comfort from extreme outdoor temperatures, your HVAC system uses the most electricity in a home, clocking in at more than half of the average U.S. home's energy consumption. An average central HVAC unit uses more than 2,000 kWh of electricity per year, causing power plants to emit 3,500 pounds of carbon dioxide! Try to reduce the workload of your HVAC system with these tips:
Read more tips: Inexpensive tips to improve the energy efficiency of your HVAC | How do I take care of my air conditioner in the summer? | What temperature should I set my thermostat in the summer?
That's right, how you heat your water might be another reason your electricity bill is so high. As another often-used appliance, your water heater can account for as much as 18% of your home's energy usage. An average water heater typically runs about 3 hours a day, and the average household spends up to $600/year alone on water heating. Use these tips to take the heat off your energy bill:
Lighting accounts for about 4% of a typical home's energy use. How much energy light bulbs use can vary widely based on bulb type and usage. Reduce the electricity usage of your lights with these tips:
Appliances and electronics account for about 23% of the typical electric bill. Below are some tips on how to save on your major appliances' energy use:
Read more tips: How much electricity does my refrigerator use?
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