11 Appliances That Are Costing You Way More Money Than You Think

In today’s homes, it seems like our appliances never really take a break. Even when you think you’ve powered them down, many are still chugging along in the background, consuming what’s known as “standby power.” This silent drain keeps devices ready to spring to life at the slightest prompt. However, it’s also adding to your electric bill.

Understanding which of these are the biggest contributors to standby power consumption is the first step in cutting down on unnecessary energy use. Let’s take a look at 11 appliances that are the most power-hungry and some effective ways to reduce their impact on your energy bill.

Lighting

Let’s shed some light on, well, your lights! They’re important, sure, but they can also be major energy hogs. Ever find lights left on overnight or when no one’s home? That’s a common mistake that nudges your electric bill upwards more than you might think.

And then there’s the type of bulbs you use. If you’re still using those old-school incandescent bulbs—the ones with the classic tungsten filament—you’re not just lighting your home, you’re also burning through cash.

Switch to LED bulbs. They use up to 90% less energy and last up to 25 times longer than incandescents. Making the switch can save the average household over $200 a year. Considering they reduce both energy use and the hassle of frequent replacements, upgrading to LEDs is a smart move.

Electric Water Heater

Think about the last hot shower you enjoyed or that load of freshly washed clothes—chances are, you have your electric water heater to thank for that. It’s a powerhouse, typically using about 4,500 watts every hour it heats water. Luckily, it doesn’t run non-stop. It only kicks in as needed, which gives you a bit of control over its energy consumption.

To cut back on its use, consider lowering the thermostat setting. Every degree you drop can save you some cash. Also, be strategic with your hot water use: only run the dishwasher or washing machine with full loads and opt for cold water when washing clothes isn’t dirt-heavy.

Space Heater

Got a chilly spot in your home? A space heater seems like a quick fix, but it’s actually a significant drain on your electricity. These compact units need a lot of juice to keep you toasty. Instead of relying on a space heater, why not look into long-term solutions?

Check if improving insulation or adjusting your home’s central heating to better warm that area might be more effective. When you do use a space heater, make sure to turn it off when you leave the room and only use it as a last resort.

Consider other ways to keep warm too, like layering up or using thermal curtains to trap heat.

Central Air Conditioner

Hey, if you’re in Texas like me, you know our air conditioners are practically family. But as much as we rely on them, they’re heavy on the wallet, especially during those hot summer months.

Energy.gov highlights that space cooling alone makes up about 6% of what the average U.S. home spends on energy, totaling a whopping $29 billion annually! To cut down on these costs, start with the basics: keep those filters clean and replace them regularly. Make sure the unit is free from debris and schedule an inspection every year.

Try to ease up on the thermostat too. If your unit is aging, upgrading to a high-efficiency model could slash your cooling costs by up to 50%.

Refrigerator & Freezer

Your fridge and freezer are the marathon runners of appliances—always on, always pulling power. This constant operation means they’re among the top energy consumers in your home.

Freezers, especially those extra ones in the garage filled with frozen goodies, can be even more demanding due to their higher wattage needs. To optimize their efficiency, keep them well-stocked; a full freezer works less to maintain its cold temperature.

Considering an upgrade? An ENERGY STAR certified fridge can save you over $270 in five years. And if there’s an old spare fridge lurking in your garage, remember, it could be costing you about $110 a year in energy.

Audio/Video Devices

Your sound system is likely still rocking even when you’re not listening. Audio and video devices, including soundbars and home theater speakers, are notorious for using “vampire power” to maintain settings and stay ready for remote signals.

They average about 7.5 watts in standby mode, leading to around 60 kilowatt-hours of energy waste per year. That’s roughly $10 annually just ticking away unnoticed. Plus, if you have AV wiring you’re not even using, it could be adding to this silent drain, inflating your bills without you ever noticing.

Standard Appliances

Think about your washer, dryer, and microwave. Even when they’re not in use, they’re not completely off. These traditional appliances typically pull about one to six watts in standby mode.

If left in standby for 22 hours a day, each one can add anywhere from $1.33 to $8 to your yearly electric bill. Multiply that by all the major appliances you own, and you might start to see how even these small numbers can add up.

Game Consoles

Keep an eye on your game console; it might be playing a pricey game with your electric bill. Most consoles are set to “instant-on” by default, meaning they’re ready to go at a moment’s notice but at a cost. For example, an Xbox One S in instant-on mode uses about 11 watts compared to just half a watt in energy-saving mode.

Imagine you game for two hours daily—that’s around 88 kilowatt-hours a year spent just on standby power, costing you an extra $15. Switching to energy-saving modes when not in use can save you a noticeable chunk on your bills.

Computers

Did you know that your computer is still keeping busy even when you think it’s resting? In standby mode, your computer’s memory needs continuous power, which adds up. According to a study by the NDRC, laptops use about 7.1 watts and desktops about 9.5 watts in standby mode.

If you leave your computer on 22 hours a day without fully shutting it down, you’re using around 57 kilowatt-hours for laptops and 76 for desktops each year. That’s costing you about $9 to $12 annually.

Cable Boxes

Did you know your cable box is quietly running up your electric bill? Cable boxes are big energy users even when you’re not watching TV. They’re busy updating guides and software or keeping their internal drives spinning.

A typical cable box can use about 16 watts just sitting there. If it’s on standby for 20 hours a day, that adds up to over 116 kilowatt-hours a year. With the average electricity rate as of July 2022, that means an extra $19.39 a year out of your pocket just for keeping your cable box plugged in.

Televisions

Your TV might be off, but it’s not really taking a break. On average, televisions use about 13 watts in standby mode. Assuming it’s idling for the same 20 hours a day, that works out to nearly $16 annually on your electricity bill for each TV. Why? Because it needs power to jump to action the moment you hit the power button on your remote.

However, if you’ve upgraded to a newer model lately, you’re in luck. Newer TVs use as little as half a watt to three watts in standby, slashing those hidden costs significantly.