At a Glance:
Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity?
How to Save on Your Electricity Bill
Energy-Saving Appliances for Your Home
Does your electricity bill seem to get higher every month, no matter how much you cut back? From clipping grocery coupons to looking for gas stations with lower prices, you are constantly looking for ways to stretch your hard-earned dollars.
One common tactic to reduce electricity consumption is to unplug your appliances when you aren’t using them. While this isn’t possible for every appliance (like your refrigerator or dishwasher) some homeowners go out of their way to keep their toasters, coffee makers, and other items unplugged to curb the cost of appliance usage. But does unplugging appliances really save electricity — and if so, how much? Learn more about this money-saving strategy and whether it actually pays off.
Does Unplugging Appliances Save Electricity?
You might not realize it, but electronic devices continue to use power even when they aren’t in use. As long as a plug is in the electric outlet, small amounts of energy is being pulled from your home. This is known as vampire energy because your appliances suck energy without providing any use to you. Vampire energy (or phantom energy) can account for up to 20 percent of the energy bills in some homes.
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Shop AppliancesYou can see examples of vampire energy throughout your home. When you turn off the TV, it still uses power to connect to your Wi-Fi and cable box. There might be a time display on your TV that stays lit even when you aren’t watching your favorite shows. Similarly, when you aren’t using your home office, you are still giving power to your desktop and printer, even if they aren’t in use.
If you can identify common sources of passive energy, you can reduce your overall energy bill.
How to Save on Your Electricity Bill
There are a few good habits you can get into if you want to save on your electricity bill. The first is to get rid of vampire energy sources. Look at basic appliances throughout your home that stay plugged in during the day. These can include your hair dryer, coffee maker, toaster, and even your smartphone. When you aren’t using these items, pull the plug from the wall. If you eliminate the vampire energy costs from five appliances in your house, you can see a reduction in your electric bill.
Depending on where you live, the easiest way to reduce your electricity bill is to lower your air conditioning usage. In hot-humid climates (like the American deep South), air conditioning can account for more than 27 percent of your energy expenditures and cost you more than $500 per year. Throughout the summer, try to be mindful of your inside temperature. Even raising the thermostat a few degrees and turning off the AC when you aren’t home can significantly lower your electric bill.
Finally, invest in Energy Star appliances. These are appliances that are proven to use fewer resources while providing quality results. You might immediately notice a difference in your utility bills just by choosing Energy Star units.
Energy-Saving Appliances for Your Home
There are several ways to lower your power bill and save money on your monthly costs. When it’s time to replace your appliances, look for options that use less electricity and water to cut down on your overall consumption. Here are a few top options to consider if you want to have an energy-efficient home.
Samsung 4.5 Cu. Ft. White Front Load Washer
One of the best ways to reduce your utility costs is to upgrade your washer and dryer to Energy Star models. If you currently have a top-load washer, you can also save more by switching to a front-load unit. Front-load washers use less water because they rely on gravity to thoroughly soak each garment. This is different from top-load washers which need to be filled to the top to be effective.
This Samsung washer is highly efficient. It can wash a full load of laundry in just 30 minutes, reducing both water and electricity needs. It comes with powerful yet gentle cleaning, so you can watch more of your clothes and won’t have to rely on a dry-cleaning service.
Check out customer reviews to learn more about this type of washer. One buyer writes, “I am 77 years old and now wish I had this when my children were small. It's lots of fun to do a wash now and every time everything is clean. It's like an oven: set it and forget it until the little song plays at the end.”
Samsung 4.0 Cu. Ft. Front Load Electric Dryer
If you are replacing your washing machine, check out this Samsung dryer which can pair well with a matching washer. This unit is designed to fit in most spaces but doesn’t sacrifice cleaning capacity. You can still complete entire loads, reducing the amount of time your dryer runs and the energy you use.
The main benefit of buying this dryer is its flexibility. You can opt for short cycles and low settings if you have a few delicate items that need to be dried and then ramp up the power for towels and bedsheets. The easy-to-use control panel allows you to adjust the electricity you use depending on your specific needs.
Samsung uses Heat Pump Technology that is more energy efficient and cleans your clothes faster. You will love this dryer.
Frigidaire® 24" Stainless Steel Built-In Dishwasher
The laundry room isn’t the only place where you can save money on your electric bill. Add this Frigidaire dishwasher to your home if you want a reliable appliance that also uses less water and electricity. Here are a few ways this unit can help you save money:
- You can fit up to 14 place settings in this dishwasher, reducing the number of loads you need to run.
- There are different cleaning settings available based on your needs. Opt for a light wash or one-hour cycle if you want to reduce your water use on small loads.
- The heated dry system effectively eliminates water from your dishes, using less electricity to complete the cycle.
Like a clothes washer, an energy-efficient dishwasher can reduce your water and electricity use, reducing two bills with one appliance.
LG 30 Cu. Ft. Stainless Steel French Door Refrigerator
If you have a large family, reducing your electricity bills might seem like a daunting task, but it’s possible with the right appliances. For example, this LG refrigerator was designed with full-size households in mind. It can store all the groceries you need while reducing your energy consumption.
One way this model is more energy efficient is with a four-door design. With a two-door unit, the cold air escapes whenever you access the refrigerator or freezer section. With this design, you can isolate different sections and keep your food cold. Kids can reach in and grab a snack in the middle drawer while keeping the main refrigeration area cold.
A quality refrigerator can also extend the life of your produce, meat, and dairy items. This helps you save money by reducing food waste. The right refrigerator might help you cut back on grocery costs.
To learn more about this model read customer reviews. This is the best way to see what using this refrigerator is like.
The good news is that there are plenty of eco-friendly appliances buyers can explore to help save money on utility costs. Whether you’re curious or are ready to make the switch to green appliances, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has you covered. Discover high-efficiency appliances for the kitchen, laundry, and home in our inventory and allow us to find money-saving appliance solutions for your home and lifestyle.
FAQs
There are plenty of questions when it comes to energy-efficient appliances. We’ve clarified a couple below to help answer your questions.
Which home appliances use the most electricity?
Not all appliances in your home use the same amount of electricity. Appliances like dishwashers and washing machines that run on water can account for up to 14 percent of your total energy bill. Cooking appliances can also drive up your energy costs if you use them frequently. However, this depends on your own personal usage.
What is the easiest way to reduce your energy bill?
Lowering your heating and air conditioning usage is the easiest way to lower your bills. You can do this by setting the thermostat on warmer temperatures in the summer and cooler ones in the winter. You can also seal drafts and leaks in your home which push air out of your house.
Why Trust Spencer’s TV & Appliance?
Since 1973, Spencer’s TV & Appliance has grown to 10 locations throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan Area. The secret to our longevity is simple: personal service. Customer satisfaction has always been the focus of our business, and throughout the years, we have been able to work hard with our suppliers to bring you the best prices. After all, getting customers the best price and personal attention is how we compete with big-box stores, day in and day out.
Not only do we offer top-rated appliances, name-brand electronics, and the best mattresses on the market but we also provide water treatment solutions and perform kitchen design services. Stop by your nearest Spencer’s and see what you’re missing!
Shop Energy-Efficient Appliances at Spencer’s
At Spencer’s TV & Appliance, we provide high-quality, name-brand products at great prices — check out our catalog to shop top-rated appliances online today. Your friends in the business are always happy to help you answer the question, “does unplugging appliances really save electricity?” Call us, or better yet, stop by at one of our locations in the Phoenix, Scottsdale, and Glendale regions. Visit us today
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