Chad Stone
GENERAL MANAGER
One of the most common questions we hear from members is, “What in my home is using the most electricity?” It’s a great question—and the answer often surprises people.
Many people assume lighting has the biggest impact on their electric bills. While turning off lights when you leave a room is always a good habit, lighting typically makes up a small portion of household energy use today, especially as most homes have switched to LED bulbs.
In most homes across our area, heating and cooling are the largest energy users. The HVAC system can account for about half of the electricity used in a typical household. During theheat of summer or a cold winter spell, your system has to work harder to keep indoor temperatures comfortable. The greater the difference between outdoor and indoor temperatures, the longer your system runs. Homes with air leaks or limited insulation can cause heating and cooling equipment to work even harder.
Water heaters are another major contributor to energy use, followed by refrigerators, freezers and clothes dryers. Some of these appliances may not use a large amount of electricity at one time, but because they run frequently or for long cycles, their energy use adds up over the course of the month.
The good news is that small adjustments can make a difference. Adjusting your thermostat by a few degrees—especially when you’re asleep or away—can help reduce energy use. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that setting your thermostat back 7 to 10 degrees for about eight hours a day can save up to 10% a year on heating and cooling costs. Programmable or smart thermostats and water-heater timers are also helpful tools for managing energy use while keeping your home comfortable.
Every home is different, and energy use depends on many factors, including the size of your home, the age of appliances, and your family’s habits. But understanding which appliances use the most electricity is an important first step in managing your monthly bill.
At Little River Electric Cooperative, we’re committed to helping our members use energy wisely and get the most value from every kilowatt-hour.
CHAD STONE
General Manager
