Have you ever questioned how your electric bill got so high when you looked at it? Energy costs aren’t getting any cheaper, and with appliances running around the clock, it’s easy to feel like your home is just one giant power drain. But the good news is you don’t have to live in the dark or unplug everything to see real savings.
A few smart tweaks to how you use your appliances can cut your electric bill significantly. Sounds good, right? Let’s talk about how.
1. Know Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity
Some appliances are straight-up energy hogs. Knowing where the majority of your electricity goes is helpful if you want to cut costs. The top three culprits are as follows:
✔ HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home’s energy use. If your system is outdated, it’s time to upgrade to an ENERGY STAR®-certified model.
✔ Water Heaters: That endless hot shower might feel amazing, but water heating eats up a lot of energy. Try lowering your water heater’s temperature to 120°F—it still gets hot enough but uses less power.
✔ Refrigerators & Freezers: Your fridge runs 24/7, so efficiency matters. The CaféTM ENERGY STAR Smart Quad-Door Refrigerator (Model: CAE28DM5TS5) is one of the more recent models that has been expertly designed to preserve food while consuming less energy.
2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances
If you’re still using older appliances, upgrading could be one of the easiest ways to cut your electric bill. Appliances with the ENERGY STAR certification are made to use less electricity while still performing as well as, if not better than, older models. Household appliances account for nearly 20% of your home’s total energy use, so choosing energy-efficient options can lead to major savings on your monthly bill.
Washers: Compared to standard models, energy-efficient washers use 50% less water and 30% less energy. They achieve this by using advanced motor technology, high-speed spin cycles to remove excess water (reducing drying time), and sensors that adjust water levels based on load size. Front-loading washers tend to be more efficient than top-loaders, but both styles now come with energy-saving features.
Dryers: Newer energy efficient dryers have moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry and automatically shut off. This not only prevents overdrying (which damages fabrics) but also cuts unnecessary energy use. For even more savings, consider air-drying clothes when possible—especially during warmer months.
Dishwashers: An energy-efficient model uses significantly less water and uses approximately 10% less electricity than a conventional model. Newer models have sensor technology that adjusts water temperature and cycle length based on how dirty your dishes are, eliminating the need for pre-rinsing. To maximize savings, always run full loads and use the eco-mode if available.
Refrigerators: Efficiency is essential because your refrigerator operates round-the-clock. Newer models are 20% more energy-efficient than those made even a decade ago. Energy efficient refrigerators achieve this through improved insulation, high-efficiency compressors, and better temperature management. To further reduce power consumption, keep your fridge between 35-38°F and your freezer at 0°F, and avoid leaving the doors open too long.
Induction Cooktops: Unlike traditional coil or gas stoves, induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, making them far more efficient. Because heat is transferred directly to the pan rather than the surrounding air, induction cooktops waste less energy and cook food faster. Plus, they don’t heat up your kitchen as much, reducing the strain on your air conditioning in the summer.
3. Unplug Your Appliances
Did you know that some appliances continue to draw power even when turned off? It’s called phantom load, and it’s sneaky. The worst offenders?
TVs, gaming consoles, coffee makers, and microwaves.
An easy fix is to plug devices into a power strip and switch it off when they’re not in use.
4. Be Smart About Laundry
If you’re washing clothes in hot water and drying everything on high heat, your energy bill is probably suffering. Here’s how to reduce electricity use at home with smarter laundry habits:
Wash with cold water—most detergents work just as well in cold cycles.
Clean the lint trap after every dryer use to improve efficiency.
Air dry when possible (hello, free energy from the sun!).
Looking for an energy-efficient upgrade? Built to last, the Speed Queen TR7 Ultra-Quiet Top Load Washer (Model: TR7003BN) consumes less energy and water.
5. Adjust Your Fridge & Freezer Settings
Your fridge should be set between 35-38°F, and your freezer at 0°F. Anything colder just wastes energy.
Also, when deciding what to eat, don’t leave the fridge door open because it needs to work harder every time you do. If you’re due for an upgrade, the Frigidaire Gallery Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerator (Model: GRSS2652AF) has an EvenTemp™ Cooling System, which keeps your food fresh by reacting quickly to temperature fluctuations and constantly circulates cold air throughout the fresh food and freezer compartments.
6. Optimize Your Home’s Heating & Cooling
Wondering how to lower your electric bill in winter and how to lower your electric bill in summer? The key is in the settings for your HVAC.
Winter: Set your thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower it at night. Use warm blankets instead of cranking the heat.
Summer: Set it to 78°F and use ceiling fans to circulate air.
Better yet, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust settings to save energy while keeping you comfortable.
Start Saving With Metro Appliances & More
The easiest way to cut down your electric bill? Invest in appliances that work smarter, not harder. Metro Appliances & More has what you need for a refrigerator that uses less energy or a washer that uses less water. Contact us or visit us in person at one of our appliance store locations across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We’re here to help you choose the best energy-efficient appliances for your kitchen.
Browse our full selection appliances online, including refrigerators, laundry appliances, dishwashers, outdoor grills, and more.
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