Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity in Your Home | Insights | PureSky Energy

When it comes to reducing your electricity bill or making your home more energy-efficient, one of the best first steps is understanding which household appliances consume the most electricity. While we often blame our lights or phone chargers, the real energy hogs tend to be much bigger—and sneakier.

By far, the largest percentage of electricity consumption goes to two end uses: space heating and air conditioning. They come in at around a third of your home’s total electricity usage according to the EIA. Right after heating and cooling comes water heating and refrigeration, then after comes lighting.

How much electricity or energy you use depends a great deal on where you live, your type of home and physical characteristics, how many appliances you use as well as how many are in your household. If you live in the Northeast or Midwest, for example, you will likely consume more energy from space heating. The opposite is true if you live in an apartment with a smaller space and adjacent apartments.

Let’s break down the biggest power users in the average home and explore ways you can cut down on their energy consumption.

1. Heating and Cooling Systems

Average usage: ~33-52% of home energy use
Typical wattage: 1,000 to 5,000+ watts

Unsurprisingly, your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system is the largest consumer of electricity in most homes if they are consuming electricity. Natural gas is used in nearly 60% of homes and is typically used for space and water heating, clothes drying and cooking. Regardless of which fuel you are using, reducing your consumption has measurable impacts on your utility bills.

Tips to reduce HVAC usage:

• Adjust your Thermostat: Setting thermostats a few degrees lower in winter and higher in summer will directly affect the duration and frequency of your HVAC’s operation. Using programmable thermostats can help automate this for you.
• Maintain Your HVAC: Proper and regular maintenance of your HVAC increases the energy efficiency of your system. Clogged furnace filters and other issues can cause the system to consume more power as it works harder.
• Prevent Energy Waste: Leaving windows or doors open while the system is in use causes energy waste as it works to heat or cool the outdoors. Other heat losses or gains can come from leaks and insufficient insulation. An energy efficiency consultant can help identify leaks and issues with your insulation.
  

2. Water Heaters

Average usage: ~12-18% of home energy use
Typical wattage: 3,000 to 4,500 watts

Your water heater is working constantly to supply hot water for showers, dishwashing, and laundry. The most affordable option, the traditional tank-style water heaters, keep a full tank heated 24/7, which can result in wasted energy when it is not being used for long periods.

Tips to reduce usage:

• Reduce the Heat: Lower the thermostat on your water heater to 120°F (49°C) will result in long-term savings.
• Prevent Energy Waste: Insulate the water heater tank and pipes. But also consider washing your clothes in cold water. A plus side is that your clothes will last longer.
• Select a More Efficient Water Heater: Consider switching to a more efficient water heater for long-term savings. Tankless systems only heat water on demand and take up far less space. The most efficient option is the solar water heater and may have larger upfront cost but with more savings over the course of the year.

3. Clothes Dryers

Average usage: ~5-10% of home energy use
Typical wattage: 1,800 to 5,000 watts

Clothes dryers are heavy hitters in terms of energy use, especially if you’re doing multiple loads per week. They require a lot of heat and electricity to operate, particularly older models.

Tips to reduce usage:

• Basic Maintenance: Clean the lint filter after every use to maintain efficiency. About once per year, check your dryer duct to make sure its straight and not clogged with lint.
• Size the Load: Don’t dry too little or too much. Dry too little and your using excess energy. If you load too many clothes, you prevent adequate air circulation, and it doesn’t operate sufficiently.
• Upgrade Your Dryer: The next time you buy a dryer look for an energy-efficient model with features that optimize drying. Those can include moisture-sensing settings, shorter cycles, or simply the type of temperature controls.
• Don’t Use It: Air-dry clothes when possible and you not only save on energy usage, but you will also save your clothes.

4. Refrigerators and Freezers

Average usage: ~4-6% of home energy use
Typical wattage: 150 to 400 watts (24/7 usage)

Your fridge and freezer run all day, every day. Though modern Energy Star-certified models are far more efficient than older ones, older units—especially secondary fridges in garages or basements—can significantly increase your bill. A third of American homes had two or more refrigerators. The most-used refrigerator can cost about $90 per year to operate but the second can still run you about $70 per year.

Tips to reduce usage:

• Stock like Goldilocks: Keep your fridge full (but not overcrowded) to maintain internal temperature.
• Upgrade Your Fridge: Replace aging models with energy-efficient units.
• Don’t Cool Your House: Avoid keeping the fridge or freezer door open too long and having an alarm that sounds when it’s left open can prevent energy waste.

5. Washing Machines

Average usage: ~1-2% of home energy use
Typical wattage: 350 to 500 watts per cycle

Washing machines don’t use as much electricity as dryers, but they can still add up—especially if you're using hot water. Most of their energy consumption comes from heating the water.

Tips to reduce usage:

• Cold is best: Wash clothes in cold water. Cold water detergents are just as effective as all temperature ones. If you need to heat to disinfect, hanging clothes outside is another effective way to eliminate germs.
• Wait to Wash: Only run full loads prevents unnecessary water and energy consumption.
• Select an Energy Efficient Model: When you have to buy a new one, consider upgrading to a high efficiency front-loading washer.

6. Lighting

Average usage: ~5-10% of home energy use
Typical wattage: 60 to 100 watts per bulb (older incandescent)

While lighting might not be the top energy user, it's still a significant contributor—especially in homes that use older incandescent or halogen bulbs. LED lighting, however, dramatically reduces this usage.

Tips to reduce usage:

• Replace Incandescent Bulbs: Switch out your older lightbulbs for LED or CFL bulbs.
• Smarter Light Use: Replace light switches with dimmers and add motion sensors and timers wherever possible.
• Natural is Sometimes Best: Turn off the light and open the curtains to take advantage of natural daylight when possible.

7. Ovens and Stoves

Average usage: Varies depending on use
Typical wattage: 1,000 to 5,000 watts

Cooking appliances like electric ovens and stovetops can draw quite a bit of power during use. Frequent baking or slow-cooking meals can cause your energy bill to spike, especially during holidays or large gatherings.

Tips to reduce usage:

• Small for Small Meals: Match the appliance you use to the work you need done. If you need to cook or reheat a small meal heated, use a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker.
• Use the Window: Limit the times you need to open the oven door while roasting or baking. A smart electric thermometer with a cord allows you to check the temperature without opening the door.
• Size Matters: Match pots to burner sizes to avoid energy waste.

8. Televisions and Home Entertainment Systems

Average usage: ~1-4% of home energy use
Typical wattage: 80 to 400 watts

Large, modern TVs (especially plasma or older LED models) and always-on entertainment systems can quietly consume a lot of electricity, particularly when left on standby.

Tips to reduce usage:

• Turn it Off: Use power strips to turn off systems completely and at the very least, turn off the screen.
• Energy Efficient Devices: Choose Energy Star-rated electronics.
• Go Outside: Consider limiting the use of screens completely and do something else, whether it’s going outside or another activity.

Computers and Office Equipment

Average usage: ~1-3% of home energy use
Typical wattage: 50 to 300 watts

With the rise of remote work, computers and office equipment like monitors, printers, and routers are now significant energy consumers. Even when idle, many of these devices continue to draw power.

Tips to reduce usage:

• Put it to Sleep: Just like you, it’s best when your devices have some down time. Use sleep mode or shut down devices when not in use.
• Portable is Best: Choose laptops over desktops—they use far less energy.
• Unplug It: Unplug chargers and peripherals when not needed.

Final Thoughts on Your Appliances

Understanding which appliances use the most electricity is the first step in taking control of your energy consumption. By targeting these energy hogs and adopting more efficient habits and appliances, you can make a noticeable difference—not just in your monthly bill, but in your home's environmental footprint.

Saving energy doesn’t mean sacrificing comfort—it just means being a little smarter about how and when we use power.

Resources:

EIA. “Electricity Use in Home” https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/electricity-use-in-homes.php

EIA. “Use of energy explained” https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/use-of-energy/homes.php

Town Appliance. “10 Ways to Maximized Your Dryer’s Efficiency” https://www.townappliance.com/blogs/town-appliance-official/10-ways-to-maximize-your-dryer-s-efficiency

Storables. “How Many Watts Does an HVAC Use.” https://storables.com/articles/how-many-watts-does-an-hvac-use/

Energy.gov. “Selecting a New Water Heater.” https://www.energy.gov/energysaver/selecting-new-water-heater