As energy costs continue to rise, it’s important to understand which appliances use the most electricity in your home. Knowing which appliances are using the most electricity can help you better manage your energy usage and save money on your energy bills.

Appliances account for nearly 20 percent of the average home’s energy usage, making them the largest energy consumer in most households. The appliances that use the most electricity are typically the larger, high-powered ones found in the kitchen and laundry room.

The refrigerator is the single largest energy consumer in most households, accounting for up to 20 percent of the total energy used. Refrigerators are on 24 hours a day, seven days a week, so it’s important to make sure it’s properly insulated and running efficiently. Look for an Energy Star-rated model for maximum efficiency.

The clothes washer is another major consumer of electricity. It’s important to keep your washer in good working order and to only use it when necessary. A full load of laundry uses more electricity than two half loads.

The dishwasher is another major energy consumer in the kitchen. Just like the washer, it’s important to only run it when you have a full load. If you have an older dishwasher model, it may be time to upgrade to an Energy Star-rated model.

The water heater is one of the most overlooked energy consumers in the home. It’s important to make sure your water heater is properly insulated and set to the correct temperature to save energy.

The heat pump in winter months can be a major energy consumer. Make sure your heat pump is properly sized for your home and is well-maintained. Additionally, make sure to set your thermostat at a comfortable temperature.

Finally, the air conditioner is a major energy consumer in the summer months. To save energy, make sure your air conditioner is properly sized for your home and is well-maintained. Additionally, make sure to only use it when necessary and set the temperature to a comfortable level.

By understanding which appliances are using the most electricity in your home, you can make small changes to save energy and money.