Home Energy Consumption: What’s Driving Up Your Energy Bill?

Updated: August 13, 2025

Understanding the dynamics of home energy consumption is crucial for anyone aiming to reduce their energy bills and carbon footprint. Many homeowners are unaware of how much energy common appliances like HVAC systems, water heaters, and refrigerators consume or how behaviors like leaving lights on or overusing electronics can drive up costs. This article explores the everyday appliances and activities that contribute most to household energy use and provides practical tips to reduce their impact. From upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to adopting smarter habits, small changes can make a big difference in lowering your utility costs. Additionally, if you’re an SRP customer, we’ve outlined specific strategies to help you lower your SRP bill with solar, offering a cleaner, more cost-effective energy solution.

At Solar Topps, we serve the entire state of Arizona.  However, we do specialize in the Phoenix Metro Area in cities like Scottsdale, Paradise Valley, Buckeye, Gilbert, Mesa, Chandler, Buckeye, Glendale, and other cities in the West Valley. If you want to Go Solar, please Contact Us. You can also fill out a Commercial or Residential Quote.

Major Household Appliances Driving Up Your SRP or APS Bill

Heating and Cooling: The Energy Giants 

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems are at the forefront of residential energy consumption, often accounting for nearly half of a home’s energy use. To curb these costs, consider regular maintenance of your HVAC system, and explore smart thermostats that optimize heating and cooling schedules. 

Water Heating: A Hidden Energy Hog 

Next to HVAC, water heating is a significant energy expense, making up a considerable portion of energy bills. Lowering the water heater temperature and insulating water tanks can yield substantial savings, reduce energy consumption, and extend the lifespan of your water heating system while also helping to lessen your environmental impact.

Washer and Dryer: The Cost of Clean Clothes 

Laundry appliances, while essential, can be quite energy intensive. Opting for newer, energy-efficient models and cold-water washes can reduce energy use dramatically, lower utility bills, and lessen your overall environmental impact without compromising cleaning performance.

Kitchen Appliances: Keeping Your Energy Bill High

Kitchen appliances are some of the most frequently used devices in a home, and their energy consumption can significantly contribute to your APS or SRP bill.

Refrigeration: Keeping Cool at a Cost 

Refrigerators and freezers are always running, contributing to their hefty share of energy consumption. Ensuring these appliances are not overfilled and are kept away from heat sources helps in reducing their energy draw. We also provide Solar Energy for Commercial Kitchens. 

Cooking Appliances: The Heat Is On 

The stove, oven, and other cooking appliances are also major energy users. Using these appliances efficiently, such as by baking multiple items at once, using the right-sized burner for your pots, and turning off appliances as soon as you’re done cooking, can help in lowering energy costs and reducing your overall carbon footprint.

Dishwashers: Washing Dishes Without Washing Away Energy 

Although dishwashers add convenience, they can also add to your energy bill if used improperly. Running full loads, choosing energy-efficient models, using eco-friendly settings, and avoiding the heat-dry option are easy ways to save energy and reduce your environmental footprint.

Electrical Appliances Keeping Your Energy Bill High

Lighting: Illuminating Energy Savings 

The transition to LED bulbs from traditional incandescent lights is a straightforward and effective measure for reducing home energy consumption in the lighting department, offering longer lifespans, lower electricity bills, and a more environmentally friendly solution for households.

Electronics: The Silent Home Energy Consumers 

Electronics, such as TVs, computers, and game consoles, consume energy even when not in active use, often referred to as “phantom energy” or “vampire power.” Using power strips and enabling power-saving modes can minimize their impact, helping to lower your electricity bills and reduce your carbon footprint over time.

Home Office Equipment: Working Efficiently 

With more people working from home, energy-efficient practices in the home office, such as shutting down equipment when not in use, using LED lighting, and optimizing heating or cooling systems, have become increasingly important for reducing energy bills and minimizing environmental impact.

Pools and Spas: Luxury at a High Energy Cost 

For homes with pools or spas, the energy costs can be significant. Investing in energy-efficient pumps and heaters can reduce these expenses while also lowering your carbon footprint, improving system performance, and extending the lifespan of your equipment.

Standby Power: The Hidden Energy Thief 

Phantom loads, or the energy used by devices when they are turned off but still plugged in, can add up significantly over time, increasing both your electricity bill and your carbon footprint. Unplugging devices, using smart power strips, or investing in energy-efficient appliances can effectively combat this waste and make your home more sustainable.

Energy Audits: The First Step to a More Efficient Home 

Conducting a professional energy audit can reveal specific areas for improvement in your home’s energy efficiency, guiding your efforts in making impactful changes.

An energy audit assesses everything from your insulation and windows to your heating and cooling systems, identifying where energy is being wasted. This detailed evaluation not only highlights opportunities to save on utility bills but also helps reduce your carbon footprint. By addressing these inefficiencies, you can create a more comfortable living space while contributing to a greener, more sustainable future.

Renewable Energy Options: A Path to Lower Consumption 

Incorporating renewable energy sources, like solar panels, into your home can significantly reduce reliance on the grid and lower energy bills over time. 

Incentives and Rebates for Energy Efficiency 

Many governments and utilities offer incentives for energy-efficient home improvements, which can help offset the initial costs of upgrades and make it more affordable for homeowners to adopt sustainable solutions, such as solar panels, energy-efficient appliances, or improved insulation.

Practical Tips for Reducing Home Energy Usage 

Simple actions, such as sealing leaks and adjusting appliance settings, can significantly reduce your home’s overall energy consumption. 

Shifting Energy Usage to Off-Peak Hours 

Most utility companies offer rate structures that incorporate on-peak and off-peak hours, which allow a homeowner to save on their energy expenditures. By shifting and staggering usage during off-peak hours homeowners can see tremendous savings in their overall energy bills month-over-month. For APS customers, check out our blog on APS Solar Rate Plans. For SRP customers, click this link for SRP Solar Rate Plans. 

Conclusion: Solar Can Help Lower Your Energy Bill

By identifying and addressing the primary sources of energy consumption in your home, and shifting usage to off-peak hours, you can significantly reduce your energy bills and contribute to a more sustainable future. Taking steps toward energy efficiency is not only beneficial for your wallet but also for the environment. To learn more about how a Solar Topps System can help you reduce your overall energy expenditures, call or text us at 480-940-1201 or fill out this form and get started today.