The primary drivers of a high electric bill are heating and cooling systems, which account for the largest portion of household energy consumption.
Primary Energy Consumers
Heating and cooling are by far the greatest energy users in the home, making up around 40% of your electric bill. This significant percentage highlights how much energy is required to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures, whether by heating your home in colder months or cooling it down during warmer periods.
Beyond temperature control, several other major appliances contribute significantly to your electricity usage:
- Washers: Especially those that use hot water, as heating the water requires substantial energy.
- Dryers: These appliances use a lot of energy to generate heat for drying clothes.
- Ovens and Stoves: Cooking appliances, particularly electric ones, consume considerable power when in use, especially for prolonged periods or when preheating.
Lesser but Cumulative Contributors
While major appliances dominate energy consumption, many smaller electronic devices also draw power. Electronic devices like laptops and TVs are typically quite cheap to run individually. However, the collective energy usage of multiple devices, especially if they are left plugged in or on standby mode, can add up over time and contribute to your overall electric bill.
