Home Appliances and How Much Energy They Use

When it comes to your energy bill, there are many factors that play a part in why it may be higher than normal. Is it the intense heat of the South Carolina summer that placed a heavy demand on your HVAC system? Is it the higher-than-normal use of your washer and dryer thanks to a house full of busy kids with extracurricular activities that creates unending loads of laundry? Or can higher-than-normal bills be attributed to the daily use of your dishwasher? One of the best ways to cut down on these high costs is to actually become aware of which appliances are using the most energy. The typical home appliances that use the most energy are:

HVAC system: averaging around 46 percent, the central air conditioning system in a home can use up to 3,000 watts of energy. 

Refrigerator: ”Is your refrigerator running " may be a common joke, however, the amount of energy consumption of this appliance is not a joke. This appliance runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and is one of the biggest drainers of energy in the home. Thanks to modern Energy Star-rated refrigerators, the common wattage use of today's refrigerator is between 35, 000 – 60,000 watts. 

Water Heater: one of the most in-demand appliances in a home, the water heater consumes, on average, approximately 14 percent of a home's energy consumption, using typically up to 4500 watts, or approximately 13.5 kWh/day. 

Have any questions relating to your utility bills? The PSoSC can provide you with information relating to public utility records search in South Carolina. Access the Public Service Commission site today to review the frequently asked questions area where residential electric consumers can locate answers to their questions and concerns from electric service to billing.