What takes up the most energy in a house?

When it comes to running a household, one of the biggest expenses is energy usage. Understanding how energy is used can be complicated and time-consuming, but it is also essential for budgeting and reducing costs. The ten biggest users of energy in homes vary from heating and cooling systems to appliances and electronics. Learning more about what takes up the most energy in a house can help you make smart decisions about how to save energy and money.

Heating and Cooling

Heating and cooling make up the majority of the energy use in most homes. According to Visual Capitalist, cooling and heating account for 47% of energy use in most homes. Heating and cooling systems can cost thousands of dollars to maintain and repair so it's important to pay attention to how they are functioning. Many homes also bill energy costs separately for heating and cooling, making it easier to track how much energy is being used to heat and cool the home.

Water Heater

The second biggest energy consumer in homes is the water heater. According to Direct Energy, water heaters account for 14% of energy use in most homes. Water heaters store hot water and many run on electricity or gas. It is important to check your water heater regularly to make sure it is running efficiently. Some water heaters also have timers that can help you save money by turning off when no one is using hot water.

Appliances

Appliances make up the third biggest energy consumer in homes. According to Real Homes, appliances account for 13.6% of energy use in most homes. Appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and dryers can have a large impact on energy usage. If you have an older model appliance, you may want to consider replacing it with an energy-efficient model. It is also important to check all of your appliances for any leaks, cracks, or other signs of wear and tear that may cause energy to be wasted.

Lighting

Lighting is also a major energy consumer in homes. According to Inspire Clean Energy, lighting accounts for 9% of energy use in most homes. It is important to use energy-efficient light bulbs and turn off the lights when they are not needed. You can also install energy-saving lighting fixtures such as LED bulbs, timers, and motion sensors to help save energy and money.

TV and Media Equipment

TV and media equipment is the fifth biggest energy consumer in homes. According to Forbes, these devices account for 4% of energy use in most homes. To help reduce energy costs, it is important to turn off devices when not in use and unplug them from the wall when not in use. It is also a good idea to replace older models with newer energy-efficient models when possible.

Refrigerators

Refrigerators are another major energy consumer in homes. According to Beupp, refrigerators use 150 kWh per month and cost about $19.50 a month to run. To reduce energy and money, it is important to keep the thermostat set to 36-38 degrees Fahrenheit and to make sure there are no leaks in the door seals. It is also a good idea to defrost refrigerators regularly to help them run more efficiently.

Other Appliances

Other appliances such as ovens and stoves can also have a large impact on energy costs. According to Renewable Energy World, these appliances account for up to 31.3% of energy use in most homes. It is important to choose energy-efficient models when possible, and to avoid preheating ovens and overfilling pans when cooking. It is also a good idea to turn off appliances when they are not in use.

Conclusion

Understanding what takes up the most energy in a house can help homeowners make informed decisions about energy consumption. Heating and cooling systems, water heaters, and appliances are some of the biggest energy consumers in homes today. It is important to pay attention to these energy users and to look for ways to save energy and money. By keeping an eye on energy usage, homeowners can make sure that energy costs stay in line with their budgets.