High-Energy Home Appliances You Should Know About
On average, Australian households (of 3 people) use about 18.7 kWh per day, which is around 7,000 kWh annually.
A big part of that energy goes into running everyday appliances like heating, cooling, cooking, washing, and powering electronics. If you’re a homeowner or tenant trying to understand why your power bills are rising, it helps to know exactly which appliances are using the most electricity.
Once you’re across that, the next smart step is checking if you’re on the right plan. Jumping online and doing an Energy Provider Comparison can help you see if you’re paying more than necessary for the power your home already uses. It only takes a minute.
In this guide, we’ll look at the highest energy-consuming appliances in Aussie homes, how much they use, and what you can do to run them more efficiently.
Top 10 Energy-Eating Home Appliances
1. Heating and Cooling (~40%)
Heating in winter and cooling in summer together consume roughly 40% of household energy. A reverse‑cycle air conditioner may use 3,500–5,000 W per hour, while small window units range between 800–1,500 W per hour.
To cut this down:
● Set cooling to 24–26 °C, heating to 20 °C
● Clean filters and seal drafty windows
● Use fans before switching on the air‑con
If you’re not on a plan with off‑peak or time‑of‑use rates, it’s time to switch electricity providers. A good comparison could drop your bills significantly.
2. Hot Water Systems (~25%)
Water heating uses around 15% to 30% of household electricity. Traditional electric hot water systems run constantly to maintain heat. On the contrary, heat‑pump systems can cut energy use by up to 60% compared to an older model.
Tips to save:
● Take short showers (4 minutes or less)
● Wash clothes in cold water
● Insulate pipes and ensure leaks are fixed
If you use a provider with off‑peak tariffs, like an Origin Electricity Connection, you could save more by scheduling heating at night.
3. Fridge and Freezer (~7%)
Fridges and freezers, running 24/7, account for around 7% of household energy use. They consume 100–400 W continuously.
To keep them efficient:
● Set fridge to 4 °C and freezer to –18 °C
● Check door seals
● Avoid loading hot food directly inside
An energy‑efficient upgrade, paired with good habits and a suitable power plan, could save you money.
4. Clothes Dryers (Up to 10%)
Clothes dryers can use 2,500–5,000 W per load and represent up to 10% of the bill for heavy users.
Smart tips include:
● Use only full loads
● Clean the lint filter
● Spin clothes well before drying
● Use clotheslines when possible
If your bills are still high, check out other energy providers and compare for a better plan.
5. Cooking Appliances (~5%)
Electric ovens consume 1,800–3,800 W, while cooktops vary from 1,200–2,400 W per element. Kitchen appliances combined often contribute close to 5% of household use.
Simple strategies include:
● Use lids and match pot size to burners
● Use microwaves or slow cookers for small meals
● Cook multiple dishes at once
Still wondering why your power bill feels high? It might be worth doing another energy provider comparison.
6. Dishwashers (~2–4%)
Dishwashers use 1,200–2,400 W per cycle and make up about 2–4% of household energy.
To reduce costs:
● Run full loads using eco settings
● Skip heat‑dry; air‑dry instead
● Don’t rinse under hot water before washing
If you’re with an Origin electricity connection, check if running at night on lower rates is cheaper.
7. Washing Machines (~2–4%)
A typical front‑loader uses 400–800 W per wash and adds about 2–4% to your annual energy usage. On the other hand, the top loader uses 600–1,000 W.
Try:
● Cold water washes
● Full loads
● High spin speeds before drying
For households washing daily, switching plans to ones better suited for daytime could help you switch electricity providers wisely.
8. TVs and Electronics (~5–14%)
Entertainment devices like TVs, gaming consoles, and computers can make up 5–14% of your home’s electricity use, depending on how often they’re used.
According to Canstar Blue, a 40–55 inch LED TV can use between 156 and 542 kWh per year, costing anywhere from $50 to $174 annually. A typical 42″ LED TV draws around 70–200 watts while on and still uses power in standby mode.
Turning devices off at the wall, dimming screen brightness, and using energy-saving settings can help reduce running costs.
9. Lighting (~5–10%)
Lighting accounts for about 5–10% of energy usage. A single LED bulb (10 W) can replace a 60 W incandescent.
Recommendations:
● Switch old bulbs to LEDs
● Turn off lights when not needed
● Make use of natural light during the day
10. Pool Pumps (Up to 18%)
In homes with a pool, the pump can be the biggest non‑essential energy user, sometimes up to 18% of total usage. It typically runs at 500–2,500 W.
Use a timer to reduce run hours and consider upgrading to a high‑efficiency model.
Quick Summary Table
| Appliance | Power Use (W) | Approx. Share of Bill |
| Air‑con / heater | 800–5,000 W/hr | ~40% |
| Hot water system | Varies, ~25% | ~25% |
| Fridge/freezer | 100–400 W continuous | ~7% |
| Clothes dryer | 2,500–5,000 W load | Up to 10% |
| Ovens & cooktops | 1,200–5,000 W | ~10% |
| Dishwasher | 1,200–2,400 W cycle | 2–4% |
| Washing machine | 400–1,200 W per load | 2–4% |
| TV & electronics | 70–400 W | 5–14% |
| Lighting | 10 W per LED bulb | ~5% |
| Pool pump | 500–2,500 W | Up to 18% |
How to Use This Info
1. Use smart habits
Cold washes, eco settings, short showers, and turning off standby devices all save energy.
2. Pick efficient appliances
Look for high rating labels: LEDs, heat‑pump dryers, reverse‑cycle air‑con, and solar or heat‑pump hot water systems are best.
3. Review your energy plan
Do an energy provider comparison yearly because rates change, and you don’t want to be stuck paying premium when you’re trying to save money.
4. Time your usage
Off‑peak times can save money. If you use an Origin electricity connection, see if late-night usage could reduce bills.
5. Know when to make a move
If your provider doesn’t reward your smart habits, it’s time to switch electricity providers.
6. New setup? Start smart.
Moving into a home or installing new services? Jump online and compare plans early and connect electricity today with the provider that fits you best.
Summary: Now You’re Ready to Take Control!
Your usage habits count, but so does your plan. Big users, like heating, cooling, and hot water, take most of your power. Small changes add up, too. The right appliances and taking the time to do a quick energy provider comparison can make a difference. If your provider isn’t supporting your habits, it’s fine to switch electricity providers to get better value. And if you’re moving and starting new, remember to connect electricity today by choosing a plan that works from day one. Don’t forget to organise it early to get a same-day connection.
By combining smart usage and a plan that suits your needs, you can bring control back to your monthly bill.