6 Household Items That Use the Most Electricity



Have you ever wondered which appliances in your home are the biggest energy hogs? We often go about our day without realizing how much electricity we're using. From keeping our homes comfortable to making sure our gadgets are charged, our daily activities rely heavily on electricity. Let’s break down the top six household items that use the most electricity, according to the 2015 Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS).



These 6 Things Top the List of What Uses the Most Electricity in the Home



1. HVAC System: The Energy King

Your HVAC system, which includes both heating and cooling, tops the list. Whether it's sweltering hot or freezing cold outside, your HVAC system works hard to keep your home comfortable, which means it uses a lot of electricity. In fact, air conditioning alone uses 16.9% of your household electricity, while space heating follows closely at 14.8%.


2. Water Heating: The Hidden Drainer

Next up is water heating. This might surprise you, but your water heater uses a significant chunk of electricity to heat water for your showers, sinks, dishwashers, and washing machines. Running for about three to five hours a day, water heaters account for 13.8% of your home’s electricity usage. To save some energy here, you can wash your clothes in cold water or turn off the heat setting on your dishwasher.


3. Lighting: Bright, But Efficient?

Lighting is another major electricity user in your home, coming in at 10.3%. However, it's easier to reduce lighting costs compared to HVAC and water heating. Switching to LED bulbs, which use 75% less energy and last 25 times longer than incandescent bulbs, can make a big difference. Plus, simply turning off lights when not in use helps cut down on electricity usage.


4. Refrigerators: The Non-Stop Runners

Refrigerators are unique because they run 24/7 to keep your food fresh. In the U.S., almost every home has a refrigerator, with many having more than one. These appliances use about 7% of your total electricity. Separate freezers add another 1.6%. Considering they’re always on, it’s no wonder they’re high on the list.


5. TVs and Electronic Devices: Modern Necessities

Our modern lives are filled with electronic devices. From TVs to cell phones and tablets, these gadgets are essential but also significant electricity users. The average person spends 4.8 hours a day on mobile apps and about 2.5 hours watching TV. All these devices combined use 6.9% of your home’s electricity. Think about all the chargers plugged in at your bedside, and you’ll see why this category makes the list.


6. Dryers: The Laundry Load

Clothes dryers, while not as significant as HVAC systems or water heaters, still use enough electricity to be notable. They account for 4.5% of your total electricity usage. If you’re looking to save energy here, consider air-drying your clothes on a line or a drying rack.


Time for an Electrical Audit?

If you’re curious about how much electricity each appliance in your home is using, it might be time for an electrical audit. Electricians can help you assess your home’s electricity consumption and identify ways to reduce it. They offer valuable electrical services that can make your home more energy-efficient and help lower your electricity bills.

Making Smart Choices

Understanding which household items use the most electricity is the first step in making smart, energy-efficient choices. By focusing on the biggest energy consumers—like your HVAC system, water heater, and lighting—you can start making changes that lead to significant savings. And don't hesitate to call an electrician for an audit; their expertise can provide practical solutions for reducing your home’s electricity use.

So next time you adjust your thermostat, take a hot shower, or plug in your phone, you’ll know exactly where your electricity is going and how to manage it better. Small changes can add up to big savings, making your home more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly.

Location: 7020 Hayvenhurst Ave # F, Van Nuys, CA 91406, USA

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