Home appliances that consume high amounts of electricity
Air conditioners are one of the home appliances that consume the most electricity. According to various sources, air conditioners can account for approximately 17% of total energy usage in a household. In fact, heating, and cooling, which includes air conditioning, can contribute to around 45-50% of a home's energy consumption.
This high energy usage is due to the continuous operation of air conditioners, especially during hot summer months. Therefore, it is important to use energy-efficient air conditioning units and implement energy-saving practices to reduce electricity consumption and lower energy bills.
Geysers are another major contributor to high electricity consumption in households. They are responsible for heating water for various purposes, such as bathing, washing dishes, and laundry. Geysers can account for approximately 14% of total energy usage in a home. This is because water heaters need to maintain a constant supply of hot water, which requires a significant amount of energy.
To reduce electricity consumption, it is recommended to use energy-efficient water heaters and consider alternative heating methods, such as solar geysers.
Electric heaters are also known to consume a significant amount of electricity. These heating systems are commonly used in colder regions to provide warmth during the winter months. Heating and cooling systems, including electric furnaces, can account for around 46% of a home's energy usage. Electric heaters require a substantial amount of electricity to generate heat and distribute it throughout the house.
To minimize electricity consumption, homeowners can consider alternative heating options, such as improving insulation in their homes to reduce heat loss. In conclusion, air conditioners, geysers, and electric heaters are among the home appliances that consume high amounts of electricity. By using energy-efficient models, implementing energy-saving practices, and considering alternative heating and cooling methods, homeowners can reduce their electricity consumption and contribute to a more sustainable and cost-effective household.
Kitchen appliances that consume high amounts of electricity
One of the kitchen appliances that consumes a significant amount of electricity is the electric stove or oven. Electric stoves and ovens are known to be energy-intensive due to their heating elements and high wattage usage.
Here's a general breakdown of oven wattages based on their type:
Conventional Ovens:
Basic electric ovens usually have wattages in the range of 1,000 to 2,500 watts. These are the standard ovens found in most households.
Convection Ovens:
Convection ovens, which have fans that circulate hot air for more even cooking, might have wattages ranging from 1,500 to 3,000 watts or more.
Microwave Ovens:
Microwave ovens are a separate category and use microwave energy to cook food. Their wattages can range from around 600 to 1,200 watts or higher.
Built-in Wall Ovens:
Larger built-in wall ovens, which are often used in kitchens, can have higher wattages, potentially reaching up to 5,000 watts or more, depending on their size and features.
It's important to note that the wattage of an oven is just one factor that determines its energy consumption. The way you use the oven, the cooking temperature, the duration of use, and the energy efficiency of the oven itself all contribute to the overall energy usage.
This high energy consumption is mainly because stoves and ovens are frequently used for cooking and baking, making them one of the primary contributors to electricity consumption in the kitchen.
Fridges & deep freezers are another example of kitchen appliances that consume a significant amount of electricity. Both are essential for keeping food fresh, but they also require a substantial amount of energy to operate efficiently. In fact, Fridges & deep freezers are often listed as one of the top energy-consuming appliances in a household.
On average, Fridges & deep freezers consume more than one-third of the electricity used for appliances in a house. The continuous operation of compressors and cooling systems contributes to their high energy usage. Therefore, it is important to choose energy-efficient models and practice proper maintenance to minimize electricity consumption. Older models tend to be less energy-efficient than newer ones.
Dishwashers are another kitchen appliance that can consume a considerable amount of electricity. Dishwashers use electricity to power their heating elements, pumps, and motors, which are necessary for the cleaning and drying processes. The energy consumption of dishwashers can vary depending on the model and cycle selected. Energy-efficient dishwashers with the ENERGY STAR label are designed to use less water and electricity, helping to reduce overall energy consumption. It is also recommended to run the dishwasher with full loads and use energy-saving settings to further minimize electricity usage.
Other appliances that consume high amounts of electricity:
One of the appliances that consumes a significant amount of electricity is the Tumble Dryer. Tumble Dryers are known to be energy guzzlers, and very few household appliances consume more electricity than them. In fact, the average Tumble Dryer uses more electricity than the average refrigerator. According to a study, appliances such as washing machines, showers, and tumble dryers account for about 16% of the typical energy usage .
Additionally, washers and dryers take up about 5% of a home's total energy consumption. Therefore, being mindful of the frequency and duration of using Tumble Dryers can help reduce electricity consumption.
Washing machines are another appliance that consumes a significant amount of electricity. They account for approximately 11.8% of the total power consumption of appliances.
The main factor contributing to their energy consumption is heating, as lower temperatures use less energy. It is important to consider energy-efficient washing machines and optimize their usage to minimize electricity consumption.
Home theater systems, gaming consoles, and large TVs can use a notable amount of energy, particularly if left on for extended periods.
If you have a swimming pool, the pool pump can be a significant energy consumer, especially if it runs for long hours.
Being mindful of the usage of the above appliances and considering energy-efficient alternatives can help reduce electricity consumption and lower energy bills. In addition to washers and dryers, there are several other household appliances that consume a significant amount of electricity. By understanding their energy consumption and implementing energy-saving measures, we can effectively reduce our electricity consumption and lower our energy bills.
Additionally, simple habits like turning off lights when not needed, using energy-efficient light bulbs, and unplugging chargers and electronics when they're not in use can contribute to overall energy savings in the home.
Appliance Standards & Labelling
The purpose of the South African Energy Efficiency Label is to ensure that consumers are informed about the relative energy efficiency of an appliance before they decide to purchase. A detailed guide to energy efficiency labeling has been developed in order to understand the labeling requirements.
De Lucia Group has been servicing the property industry for over 45 years. Contact us to ensure you get the best advice for all your property-related queries. Michael De Lucia - michaeldl@delucia.co.za
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The information contained herein is not intended to constitute advice and shall only be relied upon by you at your own risk. De Lucia Group does not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information posted in this newsletter or otherwise. Any information relied upon by you should be independently verified for accuracy. De Lucia Group reserves the right to change the content distributed or published without prior notice.
12 Sep 2023
Author De Lucia Group