5 Household Items That Use More Electricity Than You Think

Most people already know that their air conditioner, water heater and large appliances use a significant amount of electricity. What they may not fully realize is that there are plenty of smaller or forgotten household items that also contribute to their home’s overall energy consumption, quietly driving up their bill. Here are five to be aware of:

Second Refrigerator or Deep Freeze

That second refrigerator or deep freeze in the garage can be, and usually is, incredibly convenient for housing food and drinks your family doesn’t reach for often. They’re especially helpful for large households or those who like to stock up on groceries or buy their food in bulk. 

The downside is that these appliances are referred to as “always-on appliances,” meaning they run 24/7. This also means that they’re constantly draining energy, accounting for 3-10% of your home’s total consumption. While that number may seem low, it can add up to over $200 in the course of a year. If you have a second fridge or freezer, it may be worth seeing if you can consolidate and reorganize.

Gaming Consoles and Entertainment Systems

TVs, gaming consoles, streaming devices and sound systems are used by families consistently throughout the day, which, of course, contributes to the household’s overall usage. A good way to control consumption from entertainment systems is to find other sources of fun, like working on a craft or spending some time outdoors. 

Another way to reduce energy drain from entertainment systems is to unplug them when they’re not in use. These electronics continue to draw electricity, even when they’re not in use or on standby. This is called “standby power,” and it can account for 5-10% of your home’s total energy usage. To avoid standby power, you need to cut off the power supply completely.

Dehumidifiers and Air Purifiers

Dehumidifiers and air purifiers do a lot in terms of indoor comfort for homes with humidity problems, allergens or air quality issues. Unfortunately, they can also be a significant contributor to your power bill. Since they’re designed to run for extended periods, even all day in some cases, people become accustomed to them being on and may not realize just how much electricity they’re consuming. 

Space Heaters

When the temperatures drop, the space heaters come out. They’re a quick and convenient way to warm your home while being an excellent alternative to running the central heater. However, generating heat, whether on a large or small scale, requires a significant amount of energy. 

Many people think that since they’re using a space heater instead of their central heating system, they’re automatically being energy-efficient. While this is true to a point, it’s still worth using space heaters mindfully. Turn one on only in the room you’re in, and don’t run it for extended periods. Close doors, seal air leaks and use weatherstripping to fully insulate the room and maximize your space heater’s efficiency. Using one with a timer or eco-friendly settings can also go a long way in helping you save electricity.

Hair Tools and Clothes Irons

Hair tools like blow dryers, flat irons and curling wands all use a significant amount of energy because they’re heat-producing. The same is true for clothes irons. While it’s worth looking for other ways to style your hair and remove wrinkles from your clothing, like using no-heat curling methods or hanging your clothes immediately after they come out of the dryer, the main habit here is to remember to turn these tools off after you’re done using them.

Now that you know which household electronics and appliances are secretly draining energy, you can make more informed decisions about your usage and identify more areas to save. Pronto Power is a prepaid electricity company in Texas that’s dedicated to helping customers get the most out of their electricity and keep their budgets in check. Get started on a prepaid electricity plan today by calling (844) 621-2852 or contacting us online.