You’re looking at your monthly energy bill, and you notice it’s significantly higher than usual. What’s going on? Or maybe you’re wondering why your electricity consumption is always so high. At Chargee, we believe that using less energy starts with gaining more insight into your consumption.
In this blog, we’ll guide you step by step on how to track down those energy guzzlers with the Sparky P1 meter and the Chargee app. And, even more importantly, we’ll show you how to reduce your electricity consumption. This way, you can keep those energy hogs in check – and keep more money in your pocket.
What are the most common causes of high electricity consumption?
On your monthly energy bill, you only see how much you’ve used after the fact – too late to do anything about it, right? With our Sparky P1 meter and the Chargee app, you get real-time insights into your electricity consumption. This allows you to use power at optimal times, identify energy guzzlers, and make smart savings on energy costs. Plus, we show you expected solar production and electricity and gas usage, so you’re not just looking at past consumption but can also plan ahead. A win-win situation.
Several factors affect your electricity consumption at home. Some might not cross your mind, yet they consume a lot of power. Let’s go over a few common culprits. Have you thought about these? Be honest.
Outdated appliances
Refrigerators, washing machines, and dryers that are ten years or older are real energy guzzlers. They are far less energy-efficient than modern appliances. Many older devices were designed without today’s energy standards in mind, sometimes using twice as much power as newer models. Do you know how much extra you’re paying each year in energy costs because of these outdated appliances? It’s surprising how these higher energy expenses can noticeably impact your wallet. By investing in energy-efficient models, you not only save on your energy bill but also contribute to a more sustainable future.
Bad habits or settings
Devices like your TV, computer, or gaming console often continue to use power even when you turn them off. A standby button doesn’t mean the device is fully off – this is called standby consumption. Did you know that devices in standby mode can use up to 10% of their regular electricity consumption? Even kitchen appliances like your microwave or coffee maker continuously draw power to keep clocks or displays running. Add up these small amounts, and you could be spending tens of euros each year on just standby consumption. What a waste, right?
Inefficient energy sources
Do you still have old incandescent bulbs at home? It’s time to get rid of them! These bulbs use significantly more power than LED lights. Incandescent bulbs convert only about 10% of energy into light, with the rest lost as heat. This means your energy bill can quietly climb if you’re still using them. In contrast, LED lights are up to 80% more energy-efficient and have a much longer lifespan*. All benefits, right?
*Source: MilieuCentraal
Seasonal electricity consumption
In winter, we use more energy to heat our homes, while in summer, air conditioners or fans are often running. This leads to higher energy costs in both seasons. Additionally, the darker days of autumn and winter mean we rely more on artificial lighting, further increasing energy expenses. What’s often overlooked is that it’s not only how much energy you use that matters, but also when you use it.
At Chargee, we help you not only save but also optimize your energy usage by planning it at the most beneficial times. This might include taking advantage of dynamic hourly rates or maximizing your solar power production throughout the day. This way, you stay aware of energy price fluctuations and make even more energy-efficient choices.
Which appliances consume a lot of power?
- Dryer: do you often dry your laundry in the dryer? This appliance uses a significant amount of power, especially with frequent use. Try hanging your clothes occasionally and let them air dry.
- Dishwasher: while dishwashers clean your dishes faster than washing by hand, they do consume a fair amount of electricity. This is especially true if you run them at higher temperatures. Only turn it on when it’s completely full, and opt for a lower temperature setting.
- Washing machine: the washing machine is one of the most commonly used appliances in the home. Programs that run at high temperatures use a lot of energy. Quick tip: wash more often at 30 degrees; that’s usually warm enough to get your clothes clean and fresh.
- Television: a large TV can consume quite a bit of power, especially if you watch it for many hours each day. And as mentioned earlier, if your TV is in standby mode, it still uses electricity. So make sure to turn it off completely!
By being more conscious of how you use these appliances, you can significantly reduce your electricity consumption – and you’ll notice it on your energy bill.
How can I detect energy guzzlers in my home?
With the Sparky P1 meter – our smart energy meter – you gain real-time insight into your electricity consumption. Simply connect Sparky to your smart meter, and you’ll find the biggest energy guzzlers in the Chargee app. How can you do this? Let’s walk you through it:
- Monitor your live consumption: turn on a high-energy appliance at home and check your live electricity consumption. For example, start a laundry load. Do you have solar panels? Keep in mind that you might be generating power or feeding energy back into the grid, which can lower your net consumption.
- Temporarily switch off circuits in your electrical panel: if you want to know exactly which devices consume a lot of energy, you can turn off all the circuits in your fuse box and then turn them back on one by one. This way, you can see which appliances are connected to each circuit and their respective power usage.
- Monitor your standby consumption: while each device may not consume a lot of energy, the costs can add up quickly if you have many devices that are always on. Check your standby consumption by looking at the hours or days when you weren’t home. Alternatively, look into your usage during the night (from 00:00 to 06:00) to see how much electricity you used during those hours.
This way, you can not only identify which appliances are the biggest energy guzzlers, but you can also take immediate action to reduce your consumption. It’s also smart to go through your appliances one by one to check their energy labels. The energy label indicates the annual electricity consumption, so you’ll quickly discover which devices are using excessive electricity. Like a true detective, you can track down your energy guzzlers and lower your energy costs.
Tips for reducing your electricity consumption:
- Use the Sparky P1 meter to gain real-time insight into your consumption.
- Check the energy label on your appliances to identify which ones consume the most power.
- Replace old appliances with more energy-efficient models
Save energy with Sparky
- Discover how easy saving energy can be with our Sparky P1 meter. Here are some of the benefits:
- Gain insight into your live consumption in just one minute.
- Easy to install by yourself.
- Compatible with any smart meter.
- Everything you need is included: P1 meter for your smart meter, power adapter, and cables.
- All of this for only €24.95, including shipping.
- Trustpilot rating: 4,5 out of 5 stars.
If you have questions about using Sparky or want more tips, visit our Support Page for helpful information and assistance. Together, we’ll make your electricity consumption smarter and promote more sustainable usage.
Is the Chargee smart meter app free?
Yes, the Chargee smart meter app is free to download and use. However, you will always need our Sparky P1 meter. Want to see your solar energy production as well? Then you can connect your solar inverter to the app. All the basic features in the app—such as reading your smart meter and viewing your (historical) electricity consumption—are completely free. So you can start saving right away without having to pay extra. Who wouldn’t want that?
