What appliances use the most electricity? Trying to cut back on costs... Thank you!

Question

I'm trying to reduce my electric bill because rates have gone up. Please help--what are some appliances that waste electricity that I can unplug/cut back on using? I don't mean something like the fridge because I can't unplug that.

Also, does changing lightbulbs help? Thank you!!! : )

Answer 1

I heard the computer monitor uses a lot of energy.

Now I know the environmentalists will beat me up for this, but I do NOT endorse those swirly looking light bulbs. They are made with mercury and are very dangerous if they were to break. Read the box and the directions about how to dispose of one, its like nuclear waste!

Answer 2

Refrigerators use a ton of electricity.  If you think about it, they are on 24-hours!

If you are looking to replace your refrigerator, definitely take into account how much energy it uses, and try to get any appliance that is EnergyStar approved.

Answer 3

Anything that makes heat--ovens, dryers, and clothes dryers (unless you have a gas oven). Also, if you have an electric hot water heater, anything that uses hot water will use electricity (dishwasher, clothes washer, shower). Appliances with an Energy Star label use less power.

One of the best ways to save electricity is to use less air conditioning (they draw a huge amount of power). Turn up your thermostat. During the day, close your blinds so your house stays cooler. We installed an attic fan, and it cut our summer bills in half without making us sweat too much.

Also, put all of your electronics that you can turn on with a remote (TV, stereo, DVD player) on a single power strip that you can turn off. You're more likely to just flip one switch that to constantly be plugging and unplugging everything.

Compact fluorescent bulbs will cut your bills, but I would recommend buying some LED bulbs online instead. They use almost zero energy, have no mercury, and last 30 years!

Answer 4

Any appliance that has an LED light that shows it is plugged in will pull electricity even when it's not in use.  It's reasonable to unplug toasters, radios, cell phone chargers, etc.  

Light bulbs can reduce energy consumption and flourescent bulbs can be recycled in a safe manner.  Many places like Ace Hardware are adding flourescent bulb recycle bins in their stores for this reason.  

Another lighting source that is more efficient than your typical incadescent bulb is a halogen or HID bulb.  These are more energy efficient and often much smaller than the large recessed cans you usually see in the ceilings.

Answer 5

What ever makes heat; electric range, toasters, hair driers, electric clothes driers, etc. Electronic toys, computers, use hardly any.

Answer 6

If you're on such a tight budget that rise the electric rates is going to send into bankruptcy. Then simply turning off the TV isn't going to help you. Consult an accountant to see what can be done.