Main Uses For Electricity In Your Home
by Tyler Castle
1.7 min read
Residential energy consumption is the third largest use of energy in the United States. Of that residential consumption, 65% is used and 35% is wasted. So what exactly is that energy going towards? Take a look at the top nine most used energy in your home (on average):
- Cooling and heating: 47% of energy use (Average $394 cooling / $662 heating per year)
- Water heater: 14% of energy use (Average $317 per year)
- Washer and dryer: 13% of energy use (Average $143 per year)
- Lighting: 12% of energy use (Average $28 per year)
- Refrigerator: 4% of energy use (Average $95 per year)
- Electric oven: 3-4% of energy use (Average $90 per year)
- TV, DVD, cable box: 3% of energy use (Average $57 per year)
- Dishwasher: 2% of energy use (Average $49 per year)
- Computer: 1% of energy use (Average $28 per year)
Have you ever heard of “vampire electronics” or appliances? They use energy even when they are switched off but still plugged in or are not performing their primary function. Here are the worse “vampires” in a home:
- Set-Top Box: Both digital cable or satellite DVRS
- Computer: Laptops use more energy than desktops
- Printers: Inkjet and multi-use printers use the most
- DVD/VCRs: Get rid of the VCR – It uses twice as much energy
- Central Heating Furnace: Even when “off”, a furnace can use a lot of electricity
- Routers and Modem
- Phones: Answering machines also use up electricity
- Gaming Console: Keeping multiple consoles plugged in can cost you
- TV: The larger the screen, the more energy used
- Microwave: The clock on your microwave constantly uses energy
How can you stop the “vampire” electronics from sucking your power? One of the easiest ways to reduce wasted energy and money? Shut off “vampire electronics”, or devices that suck power even when they are turned off. These include digital cable or satellite DVRs, laptop computers, printers, DVD players, central heating furnaces, routers and modems, phones, gaming consoles, televisions, and microwaves.
About Santanna Energy Services
Santanna Energy Services located in Austin, TX and Bolingbrook IL, is a Natural Gas and Electricity Provider for Residential, Commercial, Business and more. Founded in 1988 and have been in business for over 30 years and growing!
Tyler is an experienced energy professional, having worked for Santanna Energy Services, for the past four years. He is passionate about renewable energy and believes that diversifying the energy grid is the key to a sustainable future. Tyler is dedicated to supplying consumers with the best possible energy solutions and works diligently to make sure that Santanna can deliver the highest quality service.
