The Most Costly Home Appliances To Run

Our daily lifestyle has become so comfortable that any cost related to it can seem a necessity. When we talk about home appliances, we use appliances for almost all household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and washing.

We sometimes overlook the economic and environmental issues that we might be contributing to in the name of this comfort. Energy conservation has become a major concern for the entire world. People have started to realise that renewable energy sources and minimising energy sources are the only way to sustain life as we know it.

The following are some of the most costly home appliances that we run daily. Think about how you use these appliances and how you can make changes to save money but also the environment.

Dishwasher

For many, a dishwasher is one of the most essential home appliances. There is a common misconception that dishwasher consumes more electricity than other appliances. But, they merely account for around 2% of the total electricity consumed in a year.

Try and use your dishwasher in the evening outside of peak running times. Make sure you only run it when it is full as well. Look at using eco-friendly quality dishwasher detergents too.

If you’re looking for a new dishwasher, invest in one with high energy star ratings. This may make a big impact on your annual energy bill.

Fridge and freezer

Life wouldn’t be the same without a fridge. That being said, this 24-hour running appliance is behind around 18% of your household’s energy consumption. Thus, one has to consider the size and model of the fridge carefully.

The bigger the fridge, the bigger the energy bills. However, there are certain ways in which you can reduce the energy needed. Try not to open the door as often. Make sure it is set at 3–4 degrees and the freezer to -18 degrees for the most energy-efficient cooling. Also, if possible, try not to have a separate deep freezer as this can use a lot of power. Where possible, store bulk food in the freezer section of the refrigerator.

Washing machine

Just like the dishwasher, a washing machine is an important home appliance for modern living. The type of washing machine you have can make a great difference in your energy bills. Top loaders are more costly to run than front loaders, for instance. They consume more water and take longer to clean clothes.

Although the washing machine only accounts for around 2% of the average energy bill, you can reduce this number further. You don’t have to use hot water for cleaning the clothes, cold water equally removes the dirt. This reduces energy consumption as water doesn’t need to be heated. Also, like the dishwasher, only do full loads of washing to make the most of each run.

Clothes dryer

Depending on your household’s needs and your location, you may not need a clothes dryer. However, for many, it is just as essential as a washing machine. Like washing machines, a clothes dryer accounts for about 2% in the average energy bill. But it can be further reduced.

The best option to dry your clothes is the sun; it will cost you nothing and you can utilise that money elsewhere. If this isn’t possible, choose a dryer that is energy efficient. Make sure it meets the needs of your household.

Water heater

A water heater is one of those home appliances which contributes the most to an average annual energy bill. It accounts for 20% of total energy usage. There are so many factors that contribute to its consumption traits, such as its size, the number of people in the household, the age of the water heating system, how hot water is required to be, and how often water needs to be heated.

If you’re finding your hot water system is a drain on your finances, it can be worth investing in solar hot water heating. This is especially a good idea if you have a swimming pool. A solar pool heating system can be a way to effectively but cheaply heat your pool so you can use it all-year-round.

Heating and air conditioning

Maintaining a certain temperature in your house can sometimes require the use of a heater or air conditioner. Heaters and air conditioning systems make up 40% of an average home’s annual energy usage. This is more than all the other appliances listed combined. So, one has to be careful when it comes to using heating and air conditioning systems.

If you’re buying air conditioners and heaters, select the one with the highest star rating. When using these systems, make sure you’re only heating or cooling rooms you are using to avoid wasting power. A programmable thermostat can help with this.

Ensuring your home is well-insulated is an important part of cutting back on heating and cooling bills too. Make sure you have good quality ceiling and wall insulation. Check for gaps around window and door frames. Seal any that you find, otherwise you may as well be leaving a window open and letting warm air out.

It is important to conserve energy, not just because it can save you money, but for the good of the environment. The above-mentioned common home appliances can be used smartly to reduce your household’s energy consumption.