Appliance Energy Consumption

Appliance Energy Consumption jls164

Most homes have a variety of appliances with a wide range of operating costs. Typical costs of operation of basic household appliances are shown in the graph below.

Typical energy costs for various appliances. A spa has the biggest cost of about $190 per year and an electric blanket and home computer have the least at under $20 per year.

Typical energy costs for various appliances.

ItemCost per year
Electric Blanket$10
Home Computer$11
Television$15
Microwave Oven$15
Dehumidifier$33
Well Pump$42
Aquarium/Terrarium$50
Dishwasher$51
Electric Cooking$58
Freezer$67
Waterbed Heater$74
Clothes Dryer$75
Washing Machine$80
Refrigerator$96
Pool Pump$123
Spa (Pump and Heater)$190

Household appliances, cooking, and lighting consume 33% of the energy at home as shown in the pie chart below. Water heating (not included in the appliances) is the second largest energy expense after home heating and cooling. It typically accounts for about 14% of the utility bill.

Typical Residential Energy Use
ApplianceConsumption Percentage
Heating and cooling44%
Lighting, cooking, and other appliances33%
Water Heating14%
Refrigerator9%
Credit: Typical Residential Energy Use © Penn State is licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0