It’s time to play a quick game of This or That: the educational energy-saving game where you guess which appliance in your home uses more energy.
Step right up to learn about your home energy use—and how to save.
This or That: Which uses more energy?
We’ll put common household appliances head-to-head and ask you to guess which one uses more electricity. Scroll down for the answers and energy-saving tips that can help lower your monthly bill.
Work or play: Laptop or gaming console?
Answer: Gaming console
Laptops average at 60 watts/hour and gaming consoles average at 90 watts/hour. If you’re lucky enough to have an amazing gaming system, they can use up to 220 watts/hour! Sorry kids... it might be time to limit your gaming.
Why it matters: The average person might spend 6–8 hours on a laptop daily, but gaming sessions can quickly add up in electricity costs if consoles are left running. Consoles also tend to draw standby power when plugged in, even when not in use.
How to save energy: Enable energy-saving or “rest” modes and unplug consoles when not in use.
Wake up or dry up: Coffee maker or hair dryer?
Answer: Hair dryer
Drink your coffee, friends! The average coffee maker uses 800 watts/hour vs. the average hair dryer, which uses nearly double the energy at a whopping 1500 watts/hour.
Why it matters: While your coffee habit won’t break the bank, running a hair dryer daily can add up.
How to save energy: Towel-dry your hair first to shorten dryer time. Use a lower heat setting when possible.
Water heater or water freezer: Hot water tank or kitchen freezer?
Answer: Water heater
This one isn’t even close. Your water heater uses about 4,000 watts/hour compared to the average freezer which only uses 35 watts/hour.
Why it matters: Your hot water tank often runs 24/7 to maintain temperature, which is why it's the second-largest energy guzzler in your home, making up for about 19% of your total energy usage.
How to save energy: Going tankless can help with energy efficiency. Lowering your water temperature just a few degrees or doing your laundry in cold water can also make a dent in your monthly energy bill.
Wet clothes or dry clothes: Clothes washer or dryer?
Answer: Clothes dryer
On average, a clothes washer uses 500 watts/hour, whereas your average clothing dryer uses 3000 watts/hour. Grandma really did know best!
Why it matters: Doing just 5 loads per week means your dryer could easily consume over 1,000 kWh/year, which translates to hundreds of dollars annually. Washers, especially those using cold water, consume a fraction of that.
How to save: Use a drying rack or clothesline for part of your load. Opt for shorter dryer cycles, clean your lint filter for better efficiency, and consider upgrading to a heat-pump dryer for long-term savings.
Quick heat or slow roast: Microwave or oven?
Answer: Oven
A microwave uses about 1,000 watts/hour, but since most cooking is under 10 minutes, a typical meal costs just pennies.
An oven draws 2,300–3,500 watts/hour and often runs for 30–60 minutes—meaning a single roast can cost 10–20 times more than microwaving leftovers.
Why it matters: Ovens aren’t just higher wattage — they also run for much longer. That’s why batch cooking or baking multiple meals at once makes sense.
How to save: Use your microwave, toaster oven, or air fryer for smaller meals. When using the oven, avoid preheating for too long and keep the door shut as much as possible.
Hot cup or crispy toast: Electric kettle or toaster?
Answer: Electric kettle
An electric kettle draws about 1,500 watts/hour, boiling water in just 2–3 minutes. A toaster uses about 800–1,400 watts/hour and also runs for the same amount of time.
Why it matters: While kettles use more watts, they’re very efficient at transferring heat directly into water. Still, multiple daily boils add up more than your morning toast.
How to save: Only fill the kettle with the amount of water you need. Boiling a full 1.5L when you only need one cup doubles your energy use.
How to save on your home energy bill
There are several factors that affect your home energy bill including local supply and demand, as well as local regulations and taxes. One factor you can control is your appliances. Here are some practical ways to cut down on energy use without cutting comfort:
1. Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances
Modern appliances are designed to do the same job while using far less electricity. ENERGY STAR certified models use up to 20–30% less energy than standard ones.
For instance, replacing an old refrigerator alone can help you save $100–200 per year in electricity costs.
Pro tip: If any of your appliances are over 10 years old, consider replacing them at end-of-life with an efficient model — the upfront cost pays itself back in long-term savings.
2. Look for smart technology
Smart plugs, thermostats, and appliances help you monitor and control your energy use in real time.
Smart plugs let you cut power completely to devices that sip energy in standby mode.
Smart thermostats can reduce heating and cooling bills by 8–10% annually, simply by learning your schedule.
3. Maintain what you already own
Even the most efficient appliance loses performance if it’s not maintained. Dusty refrigerator coils, clogged dryer vents, and unserviced HVAC systems all force your appliances to work harder.
Regular cleaning and annual maintenance can extend your HVAC system’s lifespan and help your appliances save energy in the long run.
Pro tip: Add a seasonal home efficiency check to your calendar to stay ahead of wasted energy. Better yet, perform a home energy audit to find ways to optimize your home's energy efficiency.
At the end of the day, knowing which appliances are the real energy guzzlers is the first step toward lowering your bills. Pair that with smart upgrades and a few habit changes, and you’ll not only save money but also make your home more sustainable for years to come.
.webp)
