How To Reduce Your Electricity Bill: Top Devices That Consume The Most Energy - ForumDaily
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How to reduce your electricity bill: top devices that consume the most energy

Nothing affects a person more than an electric bill, especially when he realizes that he spent much more in the current month than in the previous one. Then the owner begins to inspect his home - from device to device, from device to device. In general, a person assumes that there is a traitor among them - some kind of energy vampire, furtively stealing electricity. This is what increases your electricity bill. Writes about this GOBankingRates.

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If every time you look at your toaster you wonder why your electric bill is so high, don't worry—there's still time to learn how to save money.

Calculation of energy costs

Figuring out how to lower your electricity bill is as simple as figuring out which appliance uses the most energy. Use a simple formula to determine how many kilowatt-hours (kWh) a device uses per month or year, and then find ways to reduce consumption.

Kilowatt hours are a way of measuring how much energy a device uses per hour of operation. Most appliances provide the wattage or wattage range at which the device operates: how many watts it burns in an hour. Once you know this power, simply divide it by 1000 (to convert to kilowatts) and then multiply it by the number of hours you use per day. This will give you a basic idea of ​​how many kilowatt-hours per day you use with this item.

Then you can take the US Department of Energy data for the average utility tariff - $0,12, or get more accurate information and find out the price directly from your energy supplier. Based on the costs, you can determine which device (or devices) are an actual energy vampire and which ones don't actually use much electricity.

'Random' electricity consumers

There are also appliances that consume electricity even after they are turned off - and this is the main problem. You need to know how much electricity the appliance actually continues to consume even when it is not turned on. This could be a computer, an instant-on TV, a speaker system, or even cable and satellite TV. For that matter, anything with a built-in digital clock doesn't draw much electricity.

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The National Resources Defense Council estimates that nearly a quarter of the energy your home uses is consumed by idle devices that aren't even turned on. It's estimated that the average Northern California household spends between $210 and $440 a year on energy vampires, and the nation as a whole spends $19 billion a year on electricity they don't actually use.

What can be done? Unplug items you don't use, eliminate extension cords for devices (they use electricity when not in use), adjust the power settings on your computer or TV, and consider setting timers for outlets to help control your electricity usage.

Top 10 modern "energy criminals":

1. Equipment for the pond

  • Average power: 220 W
  • Cost per year: $ 220

Of course, you cannot turn off the fish pond, but consider investing in an energy-saving pump.

2. Hot water recirculation pump

  • Average power: 28-92 W
  • Cost per year: $ 28- $ 93

Connect the hot water recirculation pump to the timer and program it to turn off when no one is using hot water, for example at night.

3. TV box

  • Average power: 16-57 W
  • Cost per year: $ 16- $ 57

Many homes have multiple set-top boxes, resulting in higher energy consumption. Consider turning off those you don't regularly use. And TVs and set-top boxes that are used often, it is advisable to connect to one extension cord so that you can disconnect everything at once.

4. Audio-visual equipment

  • Average power: 7-40 W
  • Cost per year: $ 7- $ 40

Audio devices (amplifiers, stereo systems, boom boxes and radios) are fairly easy to turn off when not in use. This simple action can save up to $ 40 per year.

5. The fan

  • Average power: 110 W
  • Cost per year: $ 111

Turn off the fans when they are not needed, use the timer function so that the device does not stay on all night while you sleep.

6. Light 24/7

  • Average power: 4-104 W
  • Cost per year: $ 4- $ 104

There is no need to use light when it is not needed. Turn off the lamps or set them to a timer so that they automatically turn off.

7. Television

  • Average power: 2-54 W
  • Cost per year: $ 2- $ 54

Turn off TVs that you watch occasionally, such as in the guest bedroom. You should also adjust the power settings on your TV. Consider disabling the “quick start” setting to save energy.

8. Aquarium

  • Average power: 4-104 W
  • Cost per year: $ 4- $ 104

The main energy consumer in an aquarium is the heater. Of course, you cannot disconnect it from the network, otherwise there will not be an optimal temperature for your fish. But you can move the aquarium to a well-heated room to reduce heater costs.

9. Desktop computer

  • Average power: 1-49 W
  • Cost per year: $ 1- $ 49

Your computer doesn't use a ton of power even when it's on, and a typical desktop costs about a cent per hour. However, these pennies can add up to a tidy sum over a year of consumption. Connect your computer, monitor, printer, computer speakers and other accessories to a single power strip that can be disconnected when the system is not in use. Put your computer to sleep after 30 minutes of inactivity, and shut it down whenever you finish.

10. Modem

  • Average power: 5-17 W
  • Cost per year: $ 5- $ 17

Unplug your modem before going to bed. You do not need internet access when you are sleeping.

Worth mentioning:

1) mobile phone chargers

  • Average power: 2-6 W
  • Cost per year: $ 2- $ 6

When charging the phone, 2-6 W is consumed, but it is the power that the chargers give, and not charging the phone, that this device gives off. If you leave the charger plugged in all day, it still draws 0,1-0,5 watts per hour. Also a little, but in this case it is just unnecessary expenses. If you have a charger at home that is plugged in 44/XNUMX, you will be wasting an extra nearly XNUMX cents.

2) laptop computer

  • Average power: 25 W
  • Cost per year: $ 26

Most laptop cords have a "brick" - a large box that continuously draws power when it's plugged in. This means that simply turning off the laptop will not stop it from using energy. Therefore, to save money, unplug the cord every time you do not use your laptop.

3) game consoles

  • Average power: 36 W
  • Cost per year: $ 38

Game consoles are another common energy vampire. These devices often remain connected to the network even when not in use. They are set to "instant on" mode by default - this is what is prohibited in Europe due to energy consumption standards. Turn off game consoles when you're not using them, and turn off Instant On mode when you don't need it.

The main consumers of electricity

The following devices and electronics consume even more energy and must always be disconnected from the mains after use. Or, try to use these devices in smarter ways to reduce your power consumption.

1. Central air conditioning

  • Average power: 3800 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,46

A central air conditioning system with a capacity of 24 BTU consumes about 000 watts of electricity per hour. At a cost of $ 3800 per kilowatt hour, you pay $ 0,12 per hour to launch this system, which can work around the clock in warm climates. If so, then your air conditioner can cost you almost $ 0,46 a day or almost $ 11 a summer month.

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Make sure you use your system efficiently by adjusting the temperature appropriately, covering unused areas of the home, and completely shutting down the system when no one is home. Unplug the system during cold months to prevent standby power consumption.

2. Heat pump

  • Average power: 4700 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,56

Heat pumps can be more economical than underfloor heating, but it's important to make sure you are using the right pump for your home and your climate. Turning off unused space heating or cooling systems can also help reduce energy costs.

A heat pump consumes about 4700 watts of electricity, which is about $ 13,54 for all-day operation, or nearly $ 420 if in winter it works without interruption throughout the month. Think about turning off the heat pump when you are not at home, and de-energize it in the warm season.

3. Water heater

  • Average power: 4500 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,54

A water heater consumes 4500 watts of electricity per hour, so it costs 54 cents per hour. Fortunately, your water heater does not work all day, but only when it actually heats the water. The less hot water you use and the lower its temperature, the less energy your water heater will use. It usually works about three hours a day, which is about $ 50 a month.

Setting the water heater to a lower temperature will save energy. Make sure that you use hot water efficiently: only start the dishwasher when it is full; Use hot water to wash clothes when absolutely necessary.

4. Clothes dryer

  • Average power: 2790 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,33

A tumble dryer with a capacity of 2790 watts per hour will cost you 33 cents per hour of work. To reduce costs, make sure that you only dry the dryer fully loaded with clothes, and use a drying sensor if you have one.

When the weather is nice, hang your sheets outside to dry - you'll save money and have the added bonus of smelling fresh.

5. Water pump

  • Average power: 725 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,09

The water pump consumes about 725 watts of electricity per hour, which is the equivalent of 9 cents. You will most likely not be able to disconnect it, but at least make sure you have the right type of pump for your home and that it only works when needed.

6. Space heater

  • Average power: 1320 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,16

On average, such a device consumes 1320 watts of energy, which is 16 cents per hour.

You can save on its operation if you additionally isolate the room that you are trying to heat. Or block drafts by closing doors and windows.

If you still happen to use the heater, be sure to disconnect it from the mains after operation.

7. Hair dryer

  • Average power: 710 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,09

Consuming 710 watts of power, your hairdryer busts you by almost 9 cents every hour. You can reduce your costs by letting your hair dry in the air. Use the hairdryer only for styling, and even then at a low level of drying. It should also be disconnected from the network when you are not using it.

8. Electric cooker

  • Average power: 1900 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,22

Your electric stove uses about 1,9 kWh per hour, but this will vary depending on how many burners you use and at what intensity. In any case, even if you cook for three hours a day, you still spend a little over $ 20 a month on energy for your stove.

9. Fridge

  • Average power: 225 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,03

The refrigerator consumes about 225 watts of electricity per hour, which costs 3 cents per hour of operation. While not a huge power drain, it's a device you can't turn off either. That 225 watts per hour translates into $ 262,80 per year, with relatively little room to reduce the bill. This means that your refrigerator is likely to cost you more than a heater.

There are several tips that will help reduce your energy costs without turning off your refrigerator. Keep food tightly sealed as moisture released by food causes the compressor to work harder. If you're looking to buy a new refrigerator, make sure you choose the right size for your family—when full, it uses less energy than half empty. And yes: to minimize the door opening time, decide what exactly you want before opening it.

10. Ceiling fan

  • Average power: 35 W
  • Cost per hour: up to $ 0,01

A ceiling fan can be a good alternative to air conditioning. Consuming 35 watts all day, it will cost you about 10 cents.

One great tip in climates with cool nights is to turn on the ceiling fans in the evening without closing the windows.

11. Incandescent lamp

  • Average power: 60 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,01

A 60-watt incandescent lamp consumes 60 watts of power per hour. This is one of the cases where you don't have to look for an information panel to find out their wattage - in most cases the information is right on the packaging. A 60 W lamp costs pennies per hour, $0,0072 to be exact, and a 150 W lamp costs about two cents per hour.

However, a better question might be “why do you still use incandescent light bulbs?” Using new CFL bulbs will save you a lot in the long run, both on your energy bills and on trips to the hardware store. Compared to a 60-watt incandescent lamp, a 15-watt CFL lamp uses a quarter of the energy and lasts 10 times longer.

12. Dishwasher

  • Average power: 330 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,04

The average cost of operating a dishwasher is 4 cents per hour. If after operation you do not disconnect the dishwasher from the mains, there are other ways to reduce its energy costs. Only start the dishwasher when it is full.

Household appliances are becoming more efficient, so look for the most efficient model when it is time to replace the refrigerator, dishwasher, washing machine or other appliance. Replacing an old device, even if it is still working, can make economic sense.

13. Built-in air conditioning

  • Average power: 295 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,04

If you leave your air conditioner on throughout the year, this may add $ 310 to your electricity bill.

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14. Towel dryer

  • Average power: 140 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,02

There is nothing better than wrapping yourself in a warm towel after a shower, but this little daily luxury can cost you more than you think. Some heated towel rails are designed without a switch or timer, that is, they automatically turn on when connected to the network. A rack that consumes 140 watts can cost anywhere from $ 140 to $ 375 per year when connected 24/7. Only turn on the heated towel rail during a shower and unplug the plug after use.

15. Coffee maker

  • Average power: 1000 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,12

The coffee maker requires a lot of energy during use, so it is better to turn it off after working with it. If you have an instant coffee machine, keep it connected to a timer to save on standby power consumption.

16. microwave

  • Average power: 1500 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,18

Unsurprisingly, a microwave oven consumes a lot of energy when you reheat all food in minutes. But it consumes energy even when it does not work. All clock devices use energy, and a microwave is no exception.

An average microwave uses 26 kWh per year in standby mode, which is equivalent to about $ 3 per year. Basically, you can check the time on your watch or mobile phone when you are in the kitchen, so you don't need to keep the microwave on around the clock.

17. Laser printer

  • Average power: 250 W
  • Cost Per Hour: $ 0,03

Your laser printer is likely to be idle longer than you are actually using it. This is why it is easy to overlook this energetic vampire. The average laser printer consumes 70 kWh annually in standby mode, which is about $ 8 per year. You can save that $ 8 by simply unplugging your printer when you are not using it.

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