Lower Your Electric Bill With These Appliance Tips

Have you ever looked at your electric bill and thought, How is it this high? Energy costs aren’t getting any cheaper, and with appliances running around the clock, it's easy to feel like your home is just one giant power drain. But the good news is you don’t have to live in the dark or unplug everything to see real savings.

A few smart tweaks to how you use your appliances can cut your electric bill significantly. Sounds good, right? Let’s talk about how.

1. Know Which Appliances Use the Most Electricity

Some appliances are straight-up energy hogs. If you’re trying to lower your bill, it helps to know where most of your electricity is going. Here are the top three culprits:

✔ HVAC Systems: Heating and cooling account for nearly half of a home's energy use. If your system is outdated, it’s time to upgrade to an ENERGY STAR®-certified model. 

✔ Water Heaters: That endless hot shower might feel amazing, but water heating eats up a lot of energy. Try lowering the temperature on your water heater to 120°F—it’s still hot enough but saves power.

✔ Refrigerators & Freezers: Your fridge runs 24/7, so efficiency matters. Newer models, like the Café™ ENERGY STAR Smart Quad-Door Refrigerator (Model: CAE28DM5TS5), are expertly designed to keep food fresh while using less energy.

2. Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Appliances

If you’re still using older appliances, upgrading could be one of the easiest ways to cut your electric bill. ENERGY STAR-certified appliances are designed to use less electricity while still performing just as well—if not better—than older models. 

Household appliances account for nearly 20% of your home’s total energy use, so choosing energy-efficient options can lead to major savings on your monthly bill.

✔ Washers: Energy-efficient washers use 50% less water and 30% less energy than standard models. They achieve this by using advanced motor technology, high-speed spin cycles to remove excess water (reducing drying time), and sensors that adjust water levels based on load size. Front-loading washers tend to be more efficient than top-loaders, but both styles now come with energy-saving features.

✔ Dryers: Newer energy efficient dryers have moisture sensors that detect when clothes are dry and automatically shut off. This not only prevents overdrying (which damages fabrics) but also cuts unnecessary energy use. For even more savings, consider air-drying clothes when possible—especially during warmer months.

✔ Dishwashers: An energy efficient dishwasher uses about 10% less electricity than a conventional model and far less water. Newer models have sensor technology that adjusts water temperature and cycle length based on how dirty your dishes are, eliminating the need for pre-rinsing. To maximize savings, always run full loads and use the eco-mode if available.

✔ Refrigerators: Since your refrigerator runs 24/7, efficiency is crucial. Newer models are 20% more energy-efficient than those made even a decade ago. Energy efficient refrigerators achieve this through improved insulation, high-efficiency compressors, and better temperature management. To further reduce power consumption, keep your fridge between 35-38°F and your freezer at 0°F, and avoid leaving the doors open too long.

✔ Induction Cooktops: Unlike traditional coil or gas stoves, induction cooktops use electromagnetic energy to heat cookware directly, making them far more efficient. Because heat is transferred directly to the pan rather than the surrounding air, induction cooktops waste less energy and cook food faster. Plus, they don’t heat up your kitchen as much, reducing the strain on your air conditioning in the summer.

3. Unplug Your Appliances

Did you know that some appliances continue to draw power even when turned off? It’s called phantom load, and it’s sneaky. The worst offenders?

TVs, gaming consoles, coffee makers, and microwaves.

An easy fix is to plug devices into a power strip and switch it off when they’re not in use.

4. Be Smart About Laundry

If you’re washing clothes in hot water and drying everything on high heat, your energy bill is probably suffering. Here’s how to reduce electricity use at home with smarter laundry habits:

• Wash with cold water—most detergents work just as well in cold cycles.

• Clean the lint trap after every dryer use to improve efficiency.

• Air dry when possible (hello, free energy from the sun!).

Looking for an energy-efficient upgrade? The Speed Queen TR7 Ultra-Quiet Top Load Washer (Model: TR7003BN) is built to last and uses less water and energy.

5. Adjust Your Fridge & Freezer Settings

Your fridge should be set between 35-38°F, and your freezer at 0°F. Anything colder just wastes energy.

Also, don’t keep the fridge door open while deciding what to eat—every second it’s open, it has to work harder to maintain its temperature.

If you’re due for an upgrade, the Frigidaire Gallery Standard Depth Side by Side Refrigerator (Model: GRSS2652AF) has an EvenTemp™ Cooling System, which keeps your food fresh by reacting quickly to temperature fluctuations and constantly circulates cold air throughout the fresh food and freezer compartments.

6. Optimize Your Home’s Heating & Cooling

Wondering how to lower your electric bill in winter and how to lower your electric bill in summer? The key is in your HVAC settings.

✔ Winter: Set your thermostat to 68°F during the day and lower it at night. Use warm blankets instead of cranking the heat.

✔ Summer: Set it to 78°F and use ceiling fans to circulate air.

Better yet, a smart thermostat can automatically adjust settings to save energy while keeping you comfortable.

Start Saving With Metro Appliances & More

The easiest way to cut down your electric bill? Invest in appliances that work smarter, not harder. If you’re seeking an energy-efficient fridge or a washer that uses less water, Metro Appliances & More has you covered. Contact us or visit us in person at one of our appliance store locations across Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma. We’re here to help you choose the best energy-efficient appliances for your kitchen.

Browse our full selection appliances online, including refrigerators, laundry appliances, dishwashers, outdoor grills, and more.

Browse our energy-saving appliances today! 

Related readings from our blog:

• Why Induction Cooktops Are A Game-Changer

• Bring Your Kitchen To The Digital Age With Smart Appliances

• Five Ideas For A More Flexible Kitchen

FAQs About Lowering Your Electric Bill

1. How can I make my appliances consume less electricity?

Use them efficiently—wash clothes in cold water, keep fridge doors closed, and unplug devices when not in use. Also, look for ENERGY STAR appliances.

2. What is the simple trick to cut your electric bill?

Unplug electronics when you’re not using them! It sounds too easy, but phantom load can add up over time.

3. What household appliance uses the most electricity?

Your HVAC system is usually the biggest energy user, followed by water heaters, refrigerators, and washers/dryers.

4. How much can unplugging appliances save you?

It depends, but households can save around $100-$200 per year just by reducing phantom load.

5. Is there a device to help lower electricity bills?

Yes! Smart power strips, energy monitors, and smart thermostats can all help reduce electricity use.