Which appliances consume the most energy?

While our homes are cozy hubs of activity and comfort, many of the devices we use daily are silently draining power and our wallets. Knowing which appliances consume the most energy can be a game-changer for both your utility bills and your carbon footprint.

Let’s plug into the facts.

Why knowing energy consumption matters

Knowledge is power in this case, literally, because understanding where your energy goes does not only help you reduce waste and save money but can even help the planet by cutting down on greenhouse gas emissions. At the same time, when you know what’s gobbling up your electricity, you can make smarter choices about usage and upgrades, which means more control over your energy bills and your lifestyle.

Top 6 appliances that drain the most energy

1. Heating and cooling systems

When it comes to energy consumption, your heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems are often the undisputed champions.

Average use: 40-50% of total home energy
Why so high? Heating and air conditioning are constantly battling the outside world to keep your home cozy or cool. They’re not just on, they’re actually working.

Even energy-efficient systems can use a tonne of power if your home isn’t properly insulated or if your AC’s thermostat is set like it’s the middle of a Siberian winter. Think about it – your air conditioner is essentially pushing hot air out and pulling cool air in or vice versa depending on the season. This constant effort, especially in extreme temperatures, puts a huge strain on your energy supply and older, less efficient units can be particularly ravenous.

How to decrease energy consumption:

• Thermostat savvy: invest in a programmable or smart thermostat. These clever devices learn your habits and can adjust temperatures when you’re away or asleep, ensuring you’re only heating or cooling when truly necessary.
• Seal the deal: check for drafts around windows and doors to seal air leaks since doing so will make your AC unit work less strenuously.
• Filter frenzy: clean or replace your units’ filters regularly. A clogged filter forces your system to work harder, consuming more energy and reducing air quality.
• Optimal settings: aim for comfortable, but not extreme, temperatures. In summer, try setting your AC to a slightly higher temperature, while in winter, a slightly lower temperature can make a big difference.
• Seasonal maintenance: have your units professionally serviced once a year since a well-maintained system runs more efficiently.

2. Water heater

Coming in strong as another major energy consumer is your water heater.

Average use: 12-18% of total home energy
Typical usage: 300–500 kWh/month

Every glorious hot shower, dishwashing cycle and laundry load adds up. Traditional tank heaters constantly maintain a hot water supply, which means they’re always running, even when you’re not using hot water.

How to decrease energy consumption:

• Temperature tune-up: check your water heater’s thermostat. Many are set higher than needed from the factory so lowering it can save energy without sacrificing comfort.
• Insulation station: consider insulating your water heater tank and the first few feet of hot and cold water pipes. This reduces heat loss and keeps water hotter for longer.
• Shower smarter: opt for shorter showers over long baths and consider installing low-flow showerheads. These reduce the amount of hot water used without compromising pressure.
• Go tankless: when it’s time to replace, consider a tankless water heater. They heat water on demand, eliminating standby energy losses.

3. Washing machine and dryer

Modern conveniences we just couldn’t live without, the washing machine and dryer can significantly impact your energy bill.

Average use: 5-10% of total home energy
The real culprit: The dryer

While the washing machine itself is fairly efficient these days, clothes dryers are serious energy suckers, especially older models since they use a heating element and a lot of electricity to get the job done fast.

How to decrease energy consumption:

• Full loads only: two half-loads use more energy than one full load.
• Use cold water: embrace cold water washing since it saves a tremendous amount of energy used to heat water.
• Spin cycle power-up: use your washing machine’s high-speed spin cycle. The more water your washer removes, the less work your dryer has to do.
• Line dry liberation: with over 360 days of sunshine, embracing the power of the sun and air is easily done in Malta. Line drying clothes uses zero electricity and leaves your clothes smelling wonderfully fresh.
• Lint trap: clean your dryer’s lint filter after every load because a clogged filter restricts airflow, making your dryer work harder and increasing drying time.
• Energy-efficient upgrades: if you’re in the market for new appliances, look for Energy Star certified models. Front-loading washing machines are generally more energy-efficient than top-loaders and heat pump dryers are the most efficient dryer option.

4. Fridge, oven and dishwasher

Your kitchen is a hub of activity and several appliances here are constantly working to keep you fed and hydrated.

Fridge

Average use: ~6% of total home energy
Always on: 24/7/365

Your fridge is the only appliance that never gets a break. And while modern fridges are more efficient than those from even a decade ago, they still eat a steady amount of electricity. Got a second fridge in the garage for “extra drinks”? That one’s likely older, less efficient and pulling double duty.

Oven

Average use: 3-5% of total home energy

Cooking uses less power than heating or cooling, but electric ovens and stoves still contribute a good chunk. Induction cooktops are more efficient than traditional electric coils and microwaves are surprisingly energy-smart for small heating jobs.

Dishwasher

Average use: 2% of total home energy

It’s not the most power-hungry appliance, but it still makes the list. Interestingly, it’s often the drying cycle that uses the most energy.

How to decrease energy consumption:

Fridge refresh

• Temperature sweet spot: keep your fridge between 3-4°C and your freezer at -18°C.
• Full but not packed: a full fridge runs more efficiently than an empty one as the food items retain cold, but don’t overcrowd it, as this restricts airflow.
• Door discipline: don’t leave the door open longer than necessary.
• Coil care: clean the condenser coils at the back or bottom of your fridge annually to improve efficiency.
• Defrost regularly: if you have a manual defrost freezer, defrost it before ice build-up exceeds a quarter-inch.
• Location, location, location: avoid placing your fridge next to heat sources like your oven or in direct sunlight.

Oven optimisation

• Preheat Power: don’t preheat for longer than necessary. In fact, most recipes only need 10-15 minutes.
• Peek less: every time you open the oven door, the temperature can drop by 15-25 degrees Celsius, requiring more energy to get back up to temperature.
• Small appliances, big savings: for smaller meals, use a microwave, toaster oven or air fryer since they are much more energy-efficient than a full-sized oven.
• Residual heat: turn off the oven a few minutes before food is fully cooked – the residual heat will often finish the job.

Dishwasher do’s:

• Full loads first: only run your dishwasher when it’s completely full.
• Scrape, don’t rinse: scrape food off plates instead of pre-rinsing under hot water.
• Air dry advantage: skip the heated drying cycle and let your dishes air dry.

5. Lighting

Average use: ~5% of total home energy
Depends on: Bulb type and usage

LEDs use a fraction of the energy that old incandescent bulbs do – about 80% less, which means that if you’re still using incandescents or even CFLs, it’s time for an upgrade. Smart lighting systems can also help reduce energy use automatically.

How to decrease energy consumption:

• LED revolution: if you haven’t already, switch all your bulbs to LED ones. These are incredibly energy-efficient and last much longer.
• Natural light love: maximise natural light during the day. Open curtains and blinds and arrange your workspace to take advantage of sunlight.
• Turn off & go: Get into the habit of turning off lights when you leave a room, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
• Smart lighting systems: consider smart lighting that can be controlled by motion sensors or timers, ensuring lights are only on when and where they’re needed.

6. Home entertainment and electronics

While individual devices like TVs, computers, gaming consoles and phone chargers might seem small, their collective consumption, especially in standby mode, can add up. This is often referred to as “phantom load” or “vampire power”.

Includes: TVs, gaming consoles, computers, modems, routers
Energy use: Varies wildly

How to decrease energy consumption:

• Unplug power players: unplug chargers (laptops, phones, tablets) when not in use. They still draw power even if nothing is connected.
• Smart power strips: use smart power strips for your entertainment center and home office. These strips can detect when devices are off or on standby and cut power to them completely.
• Laptop vs. desktop: laptops generally consume less energy than desktop computers.
• Brightness boost: adjust the brightness settings on your TV, monitor and other screens. The brighter the screen, the more energy it consumes.
• Sleep mode smartly: configure your computers and monitors to enter sleep mode after a period of inactivity.
• Game on (efficiently): gaming consoles can be significant energy users. Turn them off completely when you’re done playing, rather than leaving them on standby.

Why a PV system is the ultimate energy-saving power move

While the energy saving tips are all well and good, when it comes to dramatically cutting down on electricity costs and living more sustainably, photovoltaic (PV) systems stand head and shoulders above all other solutions. Unlike basic energy-saving hacks, like switching to LEDs or unplugging idle appliances, solar energy attacks the root of the problem – your dependency on the power grid. By converting free, abundant sunlight into electricity, a PV system empowers homeowners to produce their own clean energy and significantly lower their monthly utility bills. In many cases, families can reduce their energy expenses by up to 70–90%, depending on the size of their system and sunlight conditions.

But the benefits go far beyond just savings. PV systems offer long-term protection against fluctuating and rising electricity prices, giving you financial stability for decades. In addition, modern solar panels are highly efficient, low-maintenance and designed to last 25 years or more, often still performing at over 80% capacity after two decades. Plus, government incentives can help you recoup your investment faster than ever.

Whether you’re running high-demand appliances or just want to be more eco-conscious, solar power puts the control back in your hands and your wallet. Interested in installing a PV system? Take a look at our PV system options.

Most people don’t realize how much energy everyday appliances eat up until they see the numbers. Your heating and cooling systems, water heater, dryer and fridge are usually the biggest culprits, but even smaller devices add up over time.

Awareness is the first step. Efficiency is the second. And the best power move? Switching to solar and putting that sun to work.