What uses the most electricity in a house?

 Most households are surprised when they learn that it’s not just one appliance quietly chewing through their power bill—it’s often a handful of everyday essentials. Heating and cooling top the list, but hot water systems, fridges, and laundry routines also pull more electricity than you might expect. Understanding where the kilowatts go is the first step to trimming them back without giving up comfort.

What uses the most electricity in a typical house?

The exact breakdown varies depending on climate, household size, and lifestyle, but across Australia the biggest energy users in homes tend to be:

  • Heating and cooling (40–50%) – Air conditioners and heaters dominate, particularly in extreme weather. Running them inefficiently, or leaving them on longer than needed, can spike bills fast.

  • Water heating (15–25%) – Electric hot water systems draw significant energy, especially in larger households with frequent showers or baths.

  • Refrigeration (10–15%) – Fridges and freezers run 24/7. Older models, or those overstuffed and poorly ventilated, burn through more power.

  • Laundry appliances (up to 10%) – Washing machines use less electricity than dryers, but frequent hot washes and heavy dryer use can easily double this share.

  • Lighting and electronics (10–15%) – TVs, computers, game consoles, and lighting add up. Standby power alone can account for 5–10% of usage.

Does the laundry really cost that much to run?

It can. The difference comes down to choices:

  • Washing machine settings: Cold washes use far less energy than hot. In fact, heating water for a hot wash often costs more than running the machine’s motor.

  • Dryers vs air-drying: Dryers are energy guzzlers. A single load can use as much power as multiple cold washes. Families relying heavily on dryers can see laundry make a real dent in electricity bills.

  • Machine efficiency: Modern, energy-rated machines use less water and electricity. But if you’re renting or stuck with an older model, efficiency can lag.

Anyone who’s lived in a Melbourne share house knows the drill: the “communal” dryer is on rotation all winter, and the first thing you notice is the bill.

How can you cut down on household electricity use?

  • Set air conditioners to 24°C in summer and heaters to 18–20°C in winter.

  • Install insulation or draft-proofing to reduce reliance on heating/cooling.

  • Switch to LED lighting and turn off devices at the wall.

  • Wash clothes in cold water and line dry whenever possible.

  • Keep fridges/freezers well maintained and defrosted.

Is it better to own or rent laundry appliances?

This is where behaviour meets economics. Buying a machine outright is often cheaper long-term, but not everyone can afford the upfront cost—or wants the hassle of maintenance. Rental options can make sense for renters, students, or small business setups, where flexibility matters more than ownership.

If you’ve ever wondered whether renting or buying is smarter for your situation, this guide on laundry machine rental explores the costs, savings, and potential business angles in detail.

FAQ

What appliance is the single biggest energy user in most homes?
Heating and cooling systems, especially reverse-cycle air conditioners, typically consume the most electricity.

Does turning appliances off at the wall really help?
Yes. Standby power can account for up to 10% of a household bill, so cutting it saves money.

Is cold washing clothes effective?
For most loads, yes. Cold washes clean effectively with modern detergents and use far less electricity than hot washes.

The takeaway? Your air con and hot water system are probably the biggest culprits, but the laundry can be an unexpected contributor—especially if you’re a heavy dryer user. Small changes in habits, paired with smarter appliance choices, can shrink both bills and your environmental footprint. For more context, the Australian Government’s Energy.gov.au guide to household electricity use offers practical breakdowns and advice.

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