Unplugging your phone charger won't save much energy. The big power drains are coming from every level of your house.
If you’re trying to reduce energy usage in your home, your first instinct may be to unplug your phone charger.
While this is all good and well, it won’t make as much of a difference as you might expect.
It’s the larger appliances—like HVAC systems and water heaters—that secretly drain electricity and cause your utility bill to surge.
“Energy hogs” use more electricity than they should because they run longer, work harder, or have become less efficient over time,” says Amy VanWagner, vice president of operations and sales at AJ Manufacturing in Kansas City, MO.
Knowing which appliances and devices use the most energy can help you use less electricity and potentially save more money each month.
The energy drains worth paying attention to
Though you may not think about these appliances as much as your phone charger, they may be the ones quietly driving up your energy bill.
The age of your HVAC does play a role in how effectively it works. (Getty Images) HVAC system
"The greatest energy hog in a home is usually the HVAC system,” explains TJ Laury, licensed HVAC technician and president at Ben's ProServ in Vineland, NJ.
According to Clint VanRossun, contractor and owner at VanRossun Contracting in Austin, TX, HVAC systems over 15 years old lose efficiency gradually, and homeowners often attribute the rising bill to rate increases when the equipment itself may be to blame.
The U.S. Energy Administration estimates space heating and air conditioning account for about 52% of a total annual energy consumption in an average home.
Is your fridge running? The unfunny answer is, probably more than you think (Getty Images) Refrigerators
Unlike other appliances, fridges run 24/7.
“Older models—anything from the early 2000s or before—use about twice as much energy as newer Energy Star models,” Laury says.
EnergySage states your fridge may be responsible for about 18% to 20% of your total electricity use.
You'll want to check the age of your water heater ever 10-15 years. (Getty Images) Electric water heaters
Electric water heaters are another major drain, particularly tank-style units.
“These are usually over 10 years old, cycle on and off around the clock to maintain temperature, and use a great deal of energy,” explains VanRossun.
Data from the U.S. Department of Energy found water heating accounts for about 13% of energy use and utility costs in a home.
Electric meters can tell you a lot about your home. (Getty Images) Phantom loads
Phantom loads, or “vampire power” may include devices like chargers, TVs, gaming systems, and anything else idle or in sleep mode that still actively consumes power.
“The average house has 20 to 40 of these plugged in, and together they can account for a large chunk of your energy bill,” explains Heather Arlinghaus, owner of Arlinghaus Plumbing, Heating, Air Conditioning & Electrical in Erlanger, KY.
According to research from the Climate School in Columbia University, phantom loads can make up 5% to 10% of home’s energy usage.
How to find these energy drains and cut your daily usage
If you want to reduce the amount of energy you use every day, the first step is to determine the energy hogs and sources of energy waste in your home. A simple DIY energy audit can help you do so.
“Walk around and note every appliance over 12 years old, find out whether your attic has enough insulation, and feel for temperature variation between rooms during peak afternoon hours that can indicate HVAC inefficiencies or poor insulation," says VanRossun.
In addition, check your utility bill's usage history.
“You should be able to see month-to-month trends and if you notice unexplained spikes, a professional energy audit is worth investing in. A pro can tell you where you have the most energy waste,” adds Laury.
Once you zero in on which appliances and devices are using too much energy, focus on simple ways you can reduce their consumption and keep your bills in check.
Start with your HVAC system.
“Schedule routine maintenance, change your filters regularly, and avoid constantly adjusting the thermostat up and down. When your system has to work harder or run longer than it should, it uses more electricity,” explains Patrick Gambel, owner of General Heating & Air Conditioning in New Orleans.
Then, move on to your water heater.
“Check the temperature that your water heater is set to. Don't set it any higher than 120 degrees Fahrenheit, and wash your clothes in cold water whenever possible,” Laury advises.
Next, direct your efforts to phantom loads. Use smart power strips and unplug any devices you rarely use.
And lastly, if you have second or third fridges running half-empty, or any other appliances you don’t need, retire them.
When it’s time to upgrade an appliance
Sometimes, investing in a newer, more efficient appliance is essential for reducing your energy usage.
VanRoussun suggests an appliance upgrade when the potential energy savings from the new product would make up what you paid for it within five years.
“This is now realistic for refrigerators, water heaters, and insulation improvements given current efficiency ratings and energy costs,” VanRoussun adds.
To estimate the playback period, compare the energy use of your current appliance with that of a replacement. Then, multiply the difference by your local electricity rate.
The “$5,000 rule” is another way to help you determine whether an upgrade is worth it.
“Multiply the age of the system and the estimated repair cost. If the result exceeds $5,000, go for a replacement. If the amount is still below that, choose a professional repair,” says Tamer Sayed, lead HVAC and furnace expert at Tamas Mechanical in Mississauga, ON.