There Are 4 "Electricity-Guzzling Monsters" in the House—Here's How I Finally "Tamed" Them!

In most households, four appliances consistently rank among the top electricity consumers: air conditioners, refrigerators, washing machines, and water heaters. While many families now opt for energy-efficient products, daily usage habits ultimately determine whether the monthly electricity bill becomes a financial burden.

1. Air Conditioner

Air conditioners operate frequently during hot seasons, often becoming the primary culprit behind skyrocketing electricity bills. To conserve energy effectively, it's advisable to install the air conditioner in a shaded area, avoiding direct sunlight exposure, such as west-facing windows. This placement prevents the unit from overworking to cool the surrounding hot air.

Regularly cleaning the air filter is also crucial, as accumulated dust reduces cooling efficiency, causing the machine to run longer to achieve the desired temperature.

Lastly, set the temperature appropriately; around 26°C is ideal for comfort without causing thermal shock or excessive energy consumption. For every degree lower, energy usage increases by approximately 7–10%.

2. Refrigerator

Refrigerators operate continuously, necessitating attention to energy-saving practices. A simple yet effective tip is to maintain a 15cm gap between the refrigerator and the wall, allowing the condenser to dissipate heat efficiently and reducing the compressor's workload.

When purchasing a refrigerator, models with the freezer compartment on top typically consume 10–15% less electricity than side-by-side two-door models. Additionally, set the refrigerator compartment to about 3–4°C and the freezer to around -15°C to -17°C, sufficient for food preservation without excessive energy use.

Another straightforward method is to check the door seal's tightness by placing a piece of paper between the door and the frame; if it slides out easily, consider replacing the gasket. Also, defrost the freezer regularly, as frost thicker than 1cm forces the refrigerator to work harder than usual.

3. Washing Machine

Many people habitually wash small loads for convenience, but this practice is inefficient. It's best to wait until there's enough laundry for a full load (typically around 5kg) to optimize water and energy usage. If washing smaller loads is necessary, select the half-load setting if available.

Additionally, avoid using hot water unless necessary, as heating water consumes significantly more electricity. Regularly clean the washing machine's drum and detergent drawer to maintain efficiency and prevent mold buildup.

4. Water Heater

Water heaters, especially storage types, can be significant energy consumers if not used wisely. To save electricity, consider turning off the heater when not in use or installing a timer to control operating hours.

Setting the thermostat to around 50°C is sufficient for most household needs and prevents unnecessary energy consumption. Regularly descale the heater to maintain efficiency, as mineral buildup can insulate the heating element, causing it to use more energy to heat water.

By implementing these practical tips, it's possible to "tame" these energy-consuming appliances, ensuring comfort while keeping electricity bills in check.