25 Appliances That Can Make Your Electricity Bill Skyrocket

In every home, certain devices quietly drive up electricity costs without most people even realizing it.
These energy-hungry culprits can significantly increase your monthly bill. Understanding which household devices consume the most power can help save money.
Here, we uncover the most common household items that may be hiking your electricity bill more than you think.
Space Heaters

Space heaters provide quick warmth but are notorious for spiking electricity usage. Running a space heater for just a few hours a day can add significant costs to your monthly bill, especially during the colder months. Consider using central heating or insulating your home better to avoid relying on these energy-draining devices.
Water Heaters

Traditional water heaters are one of the biggest culprits when it comes to high electricity bills, especially if they’re not energy-efficient. Keeping water hot around the clock requires a lot of energy, particularly in older models. Upgrading to a tankless or solar water heater can significantly cut down on this expense.
Air Conditioners

Air conditioners, especially older or poorly maintained units, can consume a large amount of electricity. Running an air conditioner non-stop during hot weather can lead to a noticeable increase in your electricity bill. To reduce costs, consider using fans, insulating your home, or upgrading to an energy-efficient model.
Clothes Dryers

Clothes dryers are another household device that can cause your electricity bill to soar. These machines use a lot of energy to generate the heat needed to dry your clothes, especially if they’re older models. To save energy, try air-drying clothes when possible or invest in a dryer with a moisture sensor.
Electric Ovens

Electric ovens require a lot of power to reach and maintain high cooking temperatures. Using them frequently, especially for long cooking times, can lead to a spike in your electricity usage. To save energy, consider using a microwave, toaster oven, or slow cooker for smaller meals.
Dishwashers

Dishwashers use electricity to heat water and dry dishes, making them a significant energy user in many households. Running a dishwasher with a half-load or using the heated dry function can increase your energy consumption unnecessarily. To cut costs, wait until you have a full load and use the air-dry setting instead.
Desktop Computers

Leaving desktop computers on all day can lead to higher electricity bills, especially if they’re older models with inefficient power supplies. These devices consume a surprising amount of energy even when they’re idle. To save energy, turn off your computer when not in use or switch to a laptop, which generally uses less power.
Plasma TVs

Plasma TVs, while known for their picture quality, are also known for their high electricity consumption. These older models can use significantly more energy than modern LED or OLED TVs. If you’re looking to reduce your electricity bill, consider upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient television.
Aquarium Heaters

Aquarium heaters are necessary to maintain a stable environment for your fish, but they can also hike your electricity bill. These devices run constantly to keep the water at the right temperature, especially in larger tanks. To minimize energy use, consider using a timer or setting the heater to a slightly lower temperature.
Electric Blankets

Electric blankets can keep you warm during the winter, but they also consume a lot of electricity if left on for extended periods. Using an electric blanket all night long can significantly increase your energy bill. To save on electricity, try using the blanket to warm your bed before you sleep and then turn it off.
Hot Tubs

Hot tubs require a considerable amount of energy to keep the water heated and the jets running. Operating a hot tub regularly can add hundreds of dollars to your electricity bill each year. If you own a hot tub, consider using it less frequently or lowering the temperature when not in use to save energy.
Pool Pumps

Pool pumps are essential for keeping your pool clean, but they can also be a major contributor to high electricity bills. Running the pump continuously can consume a significant amount of energy, especially during the summer months. To reduce costs, consider using a variable-speed pump or limiting the pump’s run time.
Gaming Consoles

Gaming consoles can be surprisingly power-hungry, especially if they’re left on or in standby mode when not in use. The energy consumption can add up quickly, particularly if the console is used frequently for long gaming sessions. To save on electricity, turn off the console completely when you’re done playing.
Electric Showers

Electric showers, which heat water on demand, can be convenient but also consume a lot of electricity. Taking long showers with an electric unit can lead to a noticeable increase in your monthly bill. Consider shortening your showers or switching to a more energy-efficient water heating system to save money.
Washing Machines

Washing machines, especially when used frequently or with hot water, can contribute significantly to your electricity bill. The energy needed to heat the water and power the machine adds up quickly. To save energy, use cold water for most washes and wait until you have a full load before running the machine.
Microwaves

Microwaves are convenient, but they can also be energy-intensive, particularly when used for extended cooking times. Although they’re more efficient than ovens, using a microwave frequently throughout the day can still add to your electricity costs. To save energy, use the microwave for quick tasks and opt for other methods, like stovetop cooking, when possible.
Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans can help cool a room, but they also use electricity, especially if left running when no one is in the room. While they consume less power than air conditioners, their energy use can still add up over time. Remember to turn off fans when you leave the room to avoid unnecessary electricity usage.
Hair Dryers

Hair dryers require a significant amount of power to generate the heat needed to dry your hair. Using them daily or for extended periods can contribute to a higher electricity bill. To cut down on energy use, try towel-drying your hair first and limiting the use of the dryer to just a few minutes.
Electric Kettles

Electric kettles are quick and efficient, but they can also be energy-intensive if used frequently throughout the day. Boiling more water than you need or reheating water multiple times can lead to unnecessary electricity consumption. To save energy, only boil the amount of water you need and consider using a stovetop kettle instead.
Dehumidifiers

Dehumidifiers are essential for controlling moisture in your home, but they can also be energy hogs if used constantly. These devices need to run for hours to effectively remove humidity, which can add to your electricity bill. To reduce costs, use a dehumidifier only when necessary or opt for a more energy-efficient model.
Humidifiers

Humidifiers, while helpful in dry climates, can contribute to higher electricity bills if used excessively. These devices need to run continuously to maintain humidity levels, which consumes a steady amount of power. To save on electricity, consider using the humidifier only when absolutely necessary and at a lower setting.
Electric Toothbrush Chargers

Leaving your electric toothbrush charger plugged in all the time can lead to a small but consistent drain on electricity. While the individual impact may be minimal, it adds up when combined with other devices left plugged in around the house. To save energy, unplug the charger when not in use or charge the toothbrush only when necessary.
Portable Air Conditioners

Portable air conditioners are convenient for cooling specific rooms, but they can also use a lot of electricity. These units are often less efficient than central air systems and can significantly increase your energy costs if used frequently. To reduce your bill, use portable ACs sparingly and consider alternative cooling methods, like fans or open windows.
Electric Irons

Electric irons require a lot of energy to reach and maintain the high temperatures needed to press clothes. If used frequently, they can contribute to a noticeable increase in your electricity bill. To save energy, try ironing clothes in bulk rather than one item at a time, and unplug the iron as soon as you’re finished.