Are you desperate to save energy at home? Do you want to know what household items use the most energy?
According to the US Department of Energy, making your home more energy-efficient can cut your bills by 25%. But, first and foremost, it’s essential to come to terms with what appliances use the most energy.
Continue reading to learn about how your bill adds up, and what uses the most energy in your home.
Air Conditioning and Heating
It’s heating and cooling systems that use the most energy in your home. In the US, an HVAC system will make up approximately 46% of a typical home’s power bill.
It’s a good idea to schedule a regular maintenance visit to ensure your unit is working efficiently.
Reduce your energy consumption by reading the manual to learn the most energy-efficient temperature range. And use curtains and blinds creatively to modify the temperature in the various seasons. For winter, ensure your home is well insulated and sealed from drafts.
Water Heating
Your water heater comes second on the list of energy consumers. On average, heating hot water adds another 14% to your bill.
You can cut this number down by setting your water heater’s temperature to a maximum of 120F, as well as taking short showers instead of baths. You can also better insulate the water heater and the hot water pipes.
There are many benefits to running a home energy audit. It’s important to understand precisely where you are wasting energy and your hard-earned money.
Appliances
Home appliances typically account for around 13% of your energy bill. Refrigerators use a significant 162 kWh per month, and washing machines and dryers can also consume plenty of energy if not used in an efficient way.
Dishwashers, kettles, and electric stoves and ovens can also use up a considerable amount of energy.
When buying electrical appliances for your home, be sure to choose ENERGY STAR certified products. These household electricity products are more environmentally friendly and help reduce your energy costs.
Lighting
Lighting accounts for 9% of your home energy usage. However, this number can vary widely based on lightbulb type and usage.
Modern energy-efficient lightbulbs can last approximately 22x longer than old-fashioned bulbs. And an average US household will save $225 each year by making the switch to LED lightbulbs.
Use natural light to your advantage, and don’t forget to turn off the lights when you vacate the room in order to reduce your energy costs.
Now You Know What Uses the Most Energy in Your Home
With this information, you can be more mindful about using household electricity. By quite a distance, your HVAC system is what uses the most energy in your home.
No matter which home appliance, using more energy than necessary will impact the environment as well as your bank balance.
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