Where Do Your Electricity Costs Come From? A Look at Appliances

A Break Down of Appliance Energy Use and How They Affect Your Bottom Line

On any given day we have many appliances that we use to get through daily activities. Appliances are the modern conveniences that allow us to live our life more comfortably, keep in touch with family, and entertain us. We don’t spend too much time thinking about the electricity costs they are incurring while we are using them. That said, one thing is for sure, every month when the bill comes we are reminded of just how many electrical appliances we are using every day! Let’s take a look a some of the most used appliances to get a better idea of the breakdown of their use.  

Here is the Breakdown

As a general rule, here are some of the appliances that are frequently used and their average percentage of use:

• Water Heater 14%
• Washer and Dryer 13%
• Lighting 12%
• Refrigerator 4%
• Electric Oven 3-4%
• Dishwasher 2%
• Computer 1%

The top three appliances on this list are the water heater, washer/dryer, and your overall home lighting.  So let’s take a look at some tips and tricks you can use to lower electrical costs for these three.

How to Lower Water Heater Electricity Costs

Although many of these tips might seem obvious, they can have a real impact on your energy bills. Here are some simple yet effective ways to lower your water heater costs:

• Take a Short Shower: Take short showers instead of baths (or long showers for that matter!)
• Lower the Temperature:  Experts agree – Set your water heater to 120 degrees.  For every 10-degree reduction, you can save 3-5% in energy costs
• Regular Maintenance:  Ensure your water heater is well-maintained to run efficiently.  Sediment build-up can reduce its efficiency.

What may seem the most common sense of all? Turn the water off!  Be mindful of leaving the water running unnecessarily while you lather, shave, or brush your teeth.  Don’t let your water run, use what you need and promptly turn it off. Something we are all guilty of, and rarely give it much thought.

Washer and Dryer Tips

If you have a large family, you know that you use the washer and dryer a lot. You may dread your electric bill each month for this sole reason. Here are some tips to help you out:

• Wash with Cold Water: Modern detergents work well in cold water, reducing the need for hot water and saving energy.
• Wash Full Loads: Maximize the efficiency of your washer by running full loads instead of several smaller loads.
• Air Dry When Possible: If the weather allows, hang clothes outside to dry rather than using the dryer.
• Clean the Lint Filter: A clogged lint filter in the dryer can increase energy consumption. Clean it regularly.
• Switch Loads While Dryer is Warm: Starting a new load in the dryer while it’s still warm uses less energy.
• Use Lower Heat Settings: The high heat settings on your dryer consume more energy. Use medium or low heat when possible.
• Cool-Down Cycle: If your dryer has a cool-down cycle, make use of it to save on energy costs.

These simple adjustments can add up to significant savings on your monthly electric bill.

Saving on Lighting Costs

Lighting accounts for around 12% of your home’s electricity usage. Here are a few cost-saving tips to help lower this figure:

• Maximize Natural Light: Open your blinds and take advantage of natural daylight during the day instead of turning on lights.
• Switch to Energy-Efficient Bulbs: Replace your old incandescent bulbs with LED bulbs. They use at least 75% less energy and last longer.
• Install Dimmer Switches: Installing dimmers on your lights can reduce energy use by allowing you to adjust the brightness, which in turn reduces power consumption.
• Turn Off Unnecessary Lights: Make it a habit to turn off lights when you leave a room, even if you’re just stepping out for a few minutes.

Point Electric Can Help You Lower Electricity Costs 

At Point Electric, we provide residential electrical repairs and upgrades to the Quad Cities and surrounding area.  If you’re looking to reduce your electrical costs, we can help with energy-efficient upgrades and repairs that will lower your monthly bills. From lighting upgrades to appliance wiring and more, we’ll ensure your home is running as efficiently as possible.

Ready to make upgrades that will reduce your electricity costs? Contact Point Electric today for a free quote and consultation. We’re here to help you save!