What Uses the Most Electricity in an Apartment?

High electricity bills are a common occurrence for most people. More often than not, there are some appliances that use more electricity than others.

Keeping note of them and reducing their consumption can help reduce your electricity bill.

Some common things that use the most electricity are HVAC systems, water heaters, washing machines, etc.

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What Appliances Use the Most Electricity in an Apartment?

In our current day and age, all of us are completely dependent on electrical appliances for our survival. They make our life easy, comfortable, and convenient.

However, when we become too dependent on them, it might reflect your overall electricity bill.

If you are shocked to see your electricity bill after each month, it might be time for some change.

Electricity is an important but expensive resource. Hence, we should be mindful of our consumption of electrical appliances.

By learning which appliances use the most electricity, you can greatly reduce their consumption.

Heating and cooling appliances tend to use up the most amount of electricity.

In fact, in some cases, they can make up nearly half of your entire electricity bill. This is because they draw a lot of electricity out and tend to stay on for long hours.

However, besides this, there are other energy-consuming appliances as well. Here’s a closer look at all of the appliances that use the most electricity in your apartment:

Heating

By and large, heating your home is the most costly thing on your electricity bill. It is estimated that heating takes up about 27% of your total electricity consumption.

Unfortunately, if you live in a cold region, this cost is something you have to bear. It is essential that you use heating for such areas until the season is over.

However, you can reduce this amount if you use an energy-efficient heating system. This can help you save costs in the long run.

Additionally, you should also install better insulation through the vents. Keep your windows closed and allow ample sunlight to come in.

Another great tip to reduce this consumption is to wear sweaters at home. Turn up the heating only when it is absolutely essential.

Cooling

This is another function that is also costly. In fact, it takes up nearly 19% of your overall bill.

Most of the world experiences heat waves during the summer regularly. This is why it is essential to have an appropriate cooling system.

And if you live on the top floor, it would be even hotter as it’s directly exposed to the sunlight.

However, there are some ways you can reduce the cost of this bill. For example, you can keep your windows open early in the morning and at night.

Doing so will allow the hot air to go out. Moreover, you can also invest in an energy-efficient cooling system.

This can reduce energy costs in the long run. Additionally, make sure there are no gaps in your vents that might let cool air escape.

Also read: 17 Tips to Cool Down an Apartment Without an AC (Air Conditioning)

Washing Machines and Dryers

This is yet another appliance that takes up a lot of electricity. And similarly, it is also another essential appliance you need since clothes have to be washed regularly.

One way to reduce the costs of the washing machine is to set them at a lower rate. This will help you use less water and energy.

You don’t need different settings to heat up the water in your washing machine. Machines can easily wash them with cold water as well.

Your dryer also takes up a lot of power. Hence, on sunny days, consider hanging the clothes to dry outside.

Luckily, this is not a considerable cost for people living in apartments. They usually have a shared laundry room where they split costs.

Water Heaters

Another top appliance that takes up a considerable amount of electricity is water heaters. They can take up to 16% of your overall electric consumption.

However, there are some ways that can help reduce this consumption. For example, you can take up tankless water heaters.

These consume less energy compared to others. You should also use a water heater that is as appropriate as yours.

Don’t get large water heaters that are too big for your home. These will unnecessarily cost you more.

You can also set the water heater at a low temperature. This will reduce the energy consumed to heat up the water and save you costs.

Water heaters consume a lot of energy, so switching them off when you are not using them is always best. Switched-on water heaters can consume energy as well.

Lights

Another item on the list of high energy consumption items in the home is lighting. Though they are switched off during the day, they still considerably consume electricity at night.

Most apartments are also built in such a way that you sometimes need light during the day as well. In such a case, you should switch to energy-efficient LED lights.

You should also change out your iridescent bulbs since they consume a lot of energy. It is best to switch these out with LED lights.

LED lights have the advantage that they last longer and consume lesser energy.

Refrigerator

A refrigerator is yet another appliance in your home that you absolutely need but costs a lot. In fact, it is estimated that it takes up about 8% of your overall bill.

Unfortunately, we cannot turn refrigerators off when not in use. Regardless, there are still some ways to save costs through it.

The best way to cut down energy costs from the refrigerator is to change out. Instead, buy a smaller and energy-rated one.

Such a refrigerator will save you costs in the long run. Apart from this, avoid overloading your fridge and set it to a lower temperature.

Lastly, you should regularly clean the refrigerator to ensure proper airflow.

Dishwasher

A dishwasher can take up to 3% of your energy consumption. An average consumes 330 watts, which is considerable in the long term.

Your dishwasher can take up a large portion of your overall power bill. This is especially true if you use it every day.

If you don’t have that many dishes, consider washing them by hand. Alternatively, you should wash during cool hours.

The dishwasher can raise the overall temperature. Hence, your cooling system will need to work harder, which would take up more energy.

Other than this, make sure you only wash the dishes in one cycle.

Electric Oven

Electric ovens take up a lot of energy to heat up and cook food. Not just that, but they also take a long time for cooking.

Electric ovens have a self-cleaning feature that also takes up energy. All in all, it consumes about 3% of your electricity bill.

This is why your best bet is with a gas oven that you should switch to. This will help reduce your overall power bill considerably in the long run.

If that is not an option, then restrict your use of the electric oven. Instead, consider using the stove, toaster, or microwave since they don’t consume that much energy.

TV and Media Equipment

Electronics like TV and other media equipment roughly take up 4% of your overall electricity bill. The more of these you have, the higher your costs will be.

Not to mention, if you watch too much television for long hours, it will increase your bill. If you have a whole electronic equipment set, expect your bill to be quite high.

Some of this electronic equipment tends to consume energy even while they are on standby. Hence, you should be quite careful if you have them in your home.

There are some steps you can take with these devices to reduce your power bill. For example, you should deactivate the standby option in all of them.

If you plan to buy new TV and media equipment, consider getting energy star ones. They don’t consume as much energy as others.

Additionally, always turn off these electronics when you are not using them. Also, consider using these electronics a little less.

Final Words

Electricity is an essential element in our lives that we can no longer without. However, the fact remains that it is quite expensive even if you have a small apartment.

You should be aware of all appliances that consume the most amount of electricity. By reducing your consumption of them, you can significantly reduce your overall power bill.

Electric power is an important resource and one that should not be unnecessarily wasted. Hence, use your appliances sparingly and wisely.

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