The Top 10 Most Electricity-Draining Appliances (and How to Save Energy)

It should come as no big surprise that many of your favorite appliances pack a pretty energy-draining punch when it comes to your household’s overall power consumption.

If you’re looking to cut down on your energy usage and, as a result, score a lower monthly power bill, read on for some effective energy-saving tips from Now Power Texas, the most trusted name in the state’s retail energy market.

Top 10 Most Electricity Draining Appliances

1. Refrigerator. When you’re looking into home energy-saving hints, your fridge is the biggest culprit of energy consumption.

• In addition to being used very frequently, these major appliances soak up a ton of energy while working to keep your food cooled and/or frozen.
• Save energy with your fridge by keeping the internal temp set between 35-38 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Make sure the doors or drawers shut properly, and that all seals are intact.

2. Central Air Conditioning System. This is a no-brainer, especially when you’re accustomed to the blazing summer heat in Texas. Energy bill-reducing tips for your A/C include the following:

• In warmer months, keep extra sunlight out by closing curtains or blinds.
• Make sure your home is properly insulated.
• Set your thermostat at 78 degrees Fahrenheit when you’re home in order to simultaneously stay comfortable and keep overpriced power bills at bay.

3. 3. Water heater. Are you a fan of extra-long showers or steamy bathtub soaking? Cut down on your water consumption in no time.

• Take shorter showers.
• Turn off the faucet when not in use—think washing/chopping vegetables, brushing your teeth, or washing your face.
• Choose baths instead of showers when you can—baths help you to see the actual amount of water you’re using, while showers do not.
• Only run the dishwasher and washing machine with full loads.
• Choose cold or warm water cycles versus hot when possible.

4. Dishwasher. Speaking of dishwashers, they also drain their fair share of energy.

• Try not to run your dishwasher at the same time as your other major appliances. Doing so makes the A/C work harder to cool your home, which drives up energy usage.
• If you have an “Energy-Saving” mode on your dishwasher, use it! You can also skip the rinse cycle for added energy conservation.
• While you want to make sure to run full loads instead of small or half-full loads, don’t overload your dishwasher, which will only make it have to work harder and burn more energy.

5. Clothes Dryer. Your washing machine’s best friend also draws a great deal of energy—and conducts a ton of heat!

• Air or line dry your clothes when you can to help you use the dryer less.
• As with other heat-producing appliances, try to avoid using the dryer during the hottest parts of the day.
• Switch your laundry loads from the washer to the dryer while the dryer is still warm. Some of that heat can dry the next load more quickly.

6. Stove/oven range. No surprise here! Heating up your stovetop or cooktop, as well as baking or broiling inside your oven causes major energy consumption.

• Avoid using during the hottest temp times of the day. Consider using these appliances during cooler morning and/or early evening hours.
• Need to cook midday? Use smaller cooking appliances, like toasters, toaster ovens, or microwaves.

7. Lighting. Is your home regularly all lit up? If so, your power bill will soon be, too!

• Make it a habit to start switching off lights and lamps when you leave a room.
• If you have any rooms or areas in your home that are rarely or infrequently used, unplug lamps completely for added savings.
• Use energy-efficient lightbulbs for longer-lasting, money-saving power.

8. Television. It can be very easy to leave the T.V. on while you go from room to room or zone out in front of your computer.

• Just like with overhead lights and lamps, start the good habit of turning off your television when you leave a room.
• The more people living in your home, the more important this move is to make, because it will have a bigger effect with more people on-board.

9. Microwave. Although these mini-cooking appliances use a great deal less energy than ovens, they can still be used wisely.

• Microwaves still drain energy even when they’re not being used, so be sure to unplug them when you’re not using.
• Consider shopping for Energy Star rated appliances, which extends to microwave ovens.

10. Computer. Just like the frequently-used television, this electronic device contributes to your home’s overall power consumption, too.

• Close and unplug your laptop when not in use.
• Adjust your computer’s energy settings to conserve as much as possible.
• Only use your charger when charging your laptop—don’t leave it on the charger constantly so you can avoid unnecessary energy draining.

Now that you’ve brushed up on the basics of energy conservation in your home, it’s time to take the next step toward savings!

While most people are familiar with traditional postpaid electricity plans, where you pay for power at the end of the billing cycle and after the usage has already occurred, prepaid energy plans are also a very affordable option for Texans.

Now Power Texas offers prepaid electricity plans to consumers who prefer to pay a set amount for their power ahead of time, or before the power consumption occurs.

Prepaid energy customers can track their usage habits in order to stay on-track with their budget, adding funds to their accounts if and when necessary.

Now Power offers an array of postpaid and prepaid plans designed to fit every customer’s needs, in addition to regularly introducing new and exciting promotions for extra savings, including “Free Nights” and “Free Weekends” deals.

Enroll in one of the unbeatable prepaid or postpaid electricity plans from Now Power Texas—available with NO deposit, NO credit check, and NO long-term contracts to lock you in to any particular plan!