Every time you flick a switch and the electricity starts flowing, it costs you money. You know that, but do you know how much it costs? Here is a simple chart that provides estimated energy costs for various items in your house. You can use this to determine the most efficient way to use electricity. Even though some of the savings might appear minimal, they can add up.
|
Item |
Cost |
Notes |
|
AC |
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Central air (3-ton – 12 SEER) |
$0.33/hour |
As shown below, use whole house fans or ceiling fans to minimize use of the central air system |
|
Whole house fan |
$0.03 – $0.05/hour |
|
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Ceiling fan |
$0.01/hour |
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Kitchen |
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Oven |
$0.25/hour |
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Microwave |
$0.01/5 minutes |
You can save energy by using a microwave as opposed to a standard oven |
|
Coffee maker |
$0.01/brew and $0.04/hour with warmer |
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Dishwasher – normal cycle and no hot water |
$0.11 – $0.24/load |
|
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Dishwasher – energy saver cycle |
$0.06/load |
Note the energy savings compared to normal cycling |
|
Refrigerators – older units |
$9.90 – $16.50/month |
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Energy Star refrigerators |
$3.80 – $6.60/month |
Newer units are much more energy efficient |
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Electronics |
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40” or bigger plasma TVs |
$0.04 – $0.05/hour |
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40” or bigger LCD TVs |
Less than $0.01/hour |
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DVR |
$3.17/month |
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Desktop computer |
$0.01 – $0.03/hour |
|
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Desktop computer on sleep/standby mode |
Less than $0.01/hour |
When not using a desktop computer, make sure it is in sleep/standby mode |
|
Laptop |
Less than $0.01/hour |
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Lighting |
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Incandescent bulbs (40-150 W) |
Less than $0.01 – $0.02/hour |
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Compact fluorescent (CFL) equivalent to incandescent |
Less than $0.01/hour |
Try using CFLs |
|
Halogen (300 W) |
$0.03/hour |
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Laundry |
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Warm wash, cold rinse |
$0.25/load |
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Hot wash, warm rinse |
$0.69/load |
Try using warm wash, cold rinse |
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Bathroom |
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Hair dryer |
$0.17/hour |
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Curling iron |
$0.01/hour |
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Whirlpool tub |
$0.20/hour |
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Swimming Pool |
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Sweep pump (3/4 hp) |
$0.06/hour |
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Filter pump (2 hp) |
$0.17/hour |
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Spa/Hot Tub |
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Electric heater (1500 W) |
$0.17/hour |
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Electric heater (5500W) |
$0.61/hour |
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