Many people at home assume that air conditioners are the biggest electricity consumers, but in reality, these devices can drain your electricity bill just as much, if not more.

Induction and Electric Stoves

In today's modern era, induction and electric stoves are extremely common and indispensable in most households. However, these appliances consume a significant amount of electricity even though they are safer compared to gas stoves, which carry the risk of fire or explosion.

Therefore, after using your induction or electric stove, you should always unplug it to ensure safety and save electricity. Experts warn that leaving an induction stove plugged in all day, even when not in use, can still consume 85-95 kWh per month for a single burner, and 170-190 kWh for a double burner. The exact consumption depends on the power and model of the stove. So, unplugging the stove after use is a simple and effective way to reduce your electricity bill without sacrificing convenience.

Water Heaters

Water heaters are essential during the coldest days, especially in the winter. Most families in Northern Vietnam use 30-liter water heaters, which serve 2-4 people daily. These appliances consume a substantial amount of electricity, often more than air conditioners.

For those who only turn the heater on before use—about one hour daily—the consumption is roughly 70-80 kWh per month. Families who leave the heater on continuously can see their electricity consumption jump to 230-340 kWh per month. Hence, always turn off the circuit breaker and unplug the water heater when not in use to ensure safety and cut down on power consumption.

Hot and Cold Water Dispensers

Many modern households use hot and cold water dispensers instead of electric kettles. These dispensers are convenient year-round, providing hot water in winter and cold water in summer. They are especially handy for those who often drink tea, coffee, or instant noodles.

To maintain the desired water temperature, these dispensers typically consume between 700 and 1,200 watts, depending on the manufacturer and capacity. If plugged in continuously and used to heat about 6-8 liters of water daily, they can consume 40-100 kWh monthly. To save energy and prevent fire hazards, unplug the dispenser at night or when it's not needed.

Clothes Dryers

During the damp and rainy spring season in Northern Vietnam, many families rely on clothes dryers to keep laundry fresh and dry. However, dryers are among the most energy-intensive household appliances.

Common vented or condenser dryers with an 8 kg capacity consume about 75-140 kWh monthly if used for 1-2 hours daily, depending on the drying mode. More advanced heat pump dryers consume significantly less energy but usually come at a higher upfront cost. Whenever possible, air-drying clothes can save a lot of electricity and is better for fabric longevity.

Desktop Computers

Desktops and laptops are essential technology devices in many homes. Desktop computers typically consume between 35 and 450 watts, with high-performance models reaching up to 1,000 watts.

According to EVN (Vietnam Electricity), average monthly power consumption for desktop computers is about 70 kWh. Therefore, unplugging computers when not in use is a straightforward method to reduce electricity expenses and avoid phantom power drain.

Televisions

Televisions are common household electronics, often found in living rooms and bedrooms. Many families own multiple TVs, which frequently run for many hours each day.

Due to continuous usage, TVs consume a significant amount of electricity. To avoid unnecessary power consumption, unplug your TV when it's not in use—this not only saves energy but also minimizes fire risks.

Additional Energy-Intensive Devices to Watch

Besides the devices mentioned above, other household appliances such as refrigerators (especially older models), washing machines with heated drying functions, and certain lighting systems also consume substantial electricity. Regular maintenance, using energy-efficient models, and adopting smart usage habits can collectively help reduce your power bills.

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Tips for Saving Electricity and Staying Safe:

• Always unplug appliances when not in use to avoid “phantom” or standby power consumption. Many devices draw power even when turned off but still plugged in.

• Use power strips with switches to easily cut off electricity to multiple devices at once.

• Schedule appliance use during off-peak hours if your electricity provider offers time-based rates.

• Invest in energy-efficient appliances that have Energy Star or equivalent certifications.

• Regularly maintain your devices to keep them operating efficiently.

By being mindful of the electricity consumption of these devices and practicing good habits like unplugging after use, you can significantly reduce your monthly power bills and improve safety at home.