Household Appliances That Are Eating Your Wallet

The electricity bill is one of the largest expenses in any household. Have you ever looked at your power bill and thought to yourself “what on earth is taking up so much power?” You may not realise it but there are a number of everyday household appliances that are eating at your wallet. As electrical appliances become more affordable and common in households, it is only natural for your electricity bill to increase as well. Find out which common household appliances are taking up the bulk of your electricity bill. 

The Refrigerator and Freezer 

The problem with your refrigerator and freezer is that they are left on 24/7! When purchasing these household appliances, you should carefully look at the energy efficiency rating. A fridge can last for 10 to 15 years so it is definitely worth investing in an energy efficient one. You can’t turn them off but there are a couple of things that you can do to reduce their power consumption. Adjusting the refrigerator temperature, minimising door openings and checking the door seals are a good starting point.

Air Conditioner or Heat Pump

The cost of maintaining the ideal temperature for your home can play an expensive role in your monthly energy bill. Depending on your usage, this can account for up to 40% of your energy bill. It’s good to be aware of the costs associated with running your air conditioner or heat pump. Monitoring your usage is the best approach in order to reduce power consumption every month. 

Washing Machine

The washing machine is another common household appliance that consumes a lot of electricity and water. Energy Wise NZ states that running costs are normally 26c per kWh. This can really add up, and you will notice it on your next utilities bill. Some tips for saving energy and water consumption include using cold water and running full loads. When buying a washing machine, front-loading machines are generally more efficient in terms of water and heating usage.

Clothes Dryer

Your typical clothes dryer consumes roughly 4,000 watts an hour. A clothes dryer is generally not a necessity for a household but it can consume a fair bit of power when used regularly. Some advice for lowering power consumption is to set the machine to spin on its fastest setting. Otherwise, letting your clothes dry in the sun will get the job done too.   

Electrical Gadgets: Smartphones, Tablets and Computers 

The average person owns 3.46 devices. If you multiply that by the number of people in your household, that’s a lot of devices that need to be charged and connected to the wall. Despite costing 5 to 15 cents per hour to run, it really adds up to a large part of your power bill and we’re all guilty of it.    

Are You Getting the Best Deal? Use Our Tool and Compare Power Prices NZ Wide

Once you identify which household appliances are causing your power bill to increase, you can better monitor the costs every month. If you are concerned with the cost of electricity, find out if you are getting the best deal possible in your area. The glimp power comparison tool allows you to compare power prices NZ wide. It’s completely free to use and lets you compare power companies within your area. You can review the plans on offer and there is no obligation to change from your current provider!