It’s not the air conditioner or the refrigerator, this is the appliance that consumes the most energy in the family

At home, energy consumption is an issue that worries many families, especially when electricity bills start to rise without a clear explanation. Often, air conditioning and refrigerator are the first suspects when it comes to high electrical consumption. However, there are other appliances that, although they go unnoticed, may be causing a significant increase in monthly energy expenditure.

Identifying which appliance consumes the most energy in your home is key to taking effective measures and reducing the impact on your pocket. Surprisingly, the appliance that consumes the most energy in an average home is not the air conditioner or the refrigerator.

Appliances that consume the most energy in the home

In addition to the air conditioner and refrigerator, there are other devices that, although they seem harmless, consume a large amount of energy and can be responsible for a large part of the monthly electric bill. Here are the main culprits and how much they consume:

1. The water heater (Thermotank or Boiler) – The largest consumer of energy

The water heater is the appliance that consumes the most energy in most homes, especially if it works electrically.

Average consumption:

• A 2,500 watt (W) electric heater running 3 hours a day can consume approximately 7.5 kWh per day.
• This equates to about 225 kWh per month for the water heater alone.

Measures to reduce consumption:

• Install a timer so that the heater only runs during the necessary hours.
• Insulate hot water pipes to prevent heat loss.
• If possible, switch to a solar heater or an energy-efficient one.
• Lower the temperature to about 50°C – 55°C, as higher temperatures are not necessary for normal household use.

2. The clothes dryer

Electric clothes dryers are highly inefficient in terms of energy consumption due to the heat they generate.

Average consumption:

• A 2,000W electric dryer that runs for 1 hour a day can consume approximately 60 kWh per month.

Measures to reduce consumption:

• Air dry clothes whenever possible.
• If you use the dryer, do so with full loads to maximize efficiency.
• Clean the filter after each use to maintain efficient airflow.

3. The electric oven

The electric oven is also one of the largest consumers of energy in the home.

Average consumption:

• A 2,000 W electric oven that is used for 1 hour a day can consume approximately 60 kWh per month.

Measures to reduce consumption:

• Use the oven only to cook large amounts of food to take advantage of the waste heat.
• Avoid opening the oven while in use to maintain the internal temperature.
• If you only need to heat food, use the microwave or an air fryer, which use less energy.

4. The TV and devices in standby mode

Modern TVs, especially large-screen TVs, can consume a significant amount of electricity, even when they’re turned off or in standby mode.

Average consumption:

• A 55-inch TV can consume between 100 and 150 W per hour of use.
• If it remains in standby mode, it can consume between 5 and 10 W per hour.

Measures to reduce consumption:

• Use a power strip with a switch to completely turn off your TV and other electronics.
• Reduce the brightness and set the timer to auto-off.
• Turn off the “stand by” or “quick on” functions.

5. The Desktop and Wi-Fi Router

Desktop computers, especially if they have multiple monitors and peripherals connected, consume a significant amount of electricity.

Average consumption:

• A desktop computer with a monitor can consume between 150 and 300 W per hour of use.
• The Wi-Fi router consumes between 5 and 10 W continuously, which is equivalent to about 7 kWh per month.

Measures to reduce consumption:

• Turn off your computer when you’re not using it.
• Use power-saving mode or set up auto-sleep.
• Turn off your router overnight or when you’re not home.

General measures to reduce energy consumption in the home

• Switch to LED lighting:
  LED lights consume up to 80% less energy than incandescent bulbs and last much longer.
• Unplug devices you’re not using:
  Many appliances still use power in standby mode. Use power strips with a switch to facilitate total shutdown.
• Invest in efficient appliances (class A++):
  Devices with an A++ or A+++ energy label consume much less energy. Although they are more expensive initially, the long-term savings are significant.
• Keep appliances in good condition:
  A dirty or poorly maintained appliance works less efficiently and consumes more energy. Regularly clean filters and air intakes.
• Install solar
  panels If possible, install solar panels to reduce reliance on the power grid and take advantage of renewable energy.

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