High Electricity Bill? These Are the First Appliances You Should Check at Home

If you’ve been asking yourself, “why is my electricity bill so high?” your old appliances could be one of the biggest reasons. 

Did you know that according to Meralco, home energy use historically shoots up by 40% during the summer? A big reason for that spike is older, struggling appliances. 

Older appliances often use more electricity because they work harder to do the same job. Over time, parts wear out, cooling systems become less efficient, and motors consume more power.  

Let’s take a look at some of the common appliances that could be secretly driving up your electricity costs. 

Your outdated units might still be chugging along just fine, but they could be quietly driving up your electric bill. As appliances age, they tend to get a little lazy with their energy efficiency.   

Air conditioners are one of the biggest electricity users in many Filipino homes, especially during hot months. Older non-inverter aircons usually consume more power because they constantly switch on and off at full power. 

Newer inverter models adjust their energy use based on the room temperature, which helps reduce unnecessary electricity consumption. 

Signs it may be time to upgrade: 

• Your aircon takes too long to cool the room
• Electricity bills spike during summer
• The unit is noisy or leaks water often
• Your aircon is more than 8 to 10 years old 

Your refrigerator runs 24/7, so an older unit can heavily affect your high electricity bill. Older refrigerators may have weak door seals, outdated compressors, or poor cooling efficiency that forces the appliance to work harder all day. 

A newer energy-efficient refrigerator can help lower power consumption while keeping food fresh more consistently. 

Watch out for: 

• Ice buildup inside the freezer  
• The fridge feels hot on the sides  
• Loud humming sounds  
• Food spoils faster than usual 

Older washing machines often use more water and electricity per cycle. Some models also lack energy-saving features found in newer appliances. 

If your washing machine struggles to spin properly or takes longer to finish loads, it may already be consuming more power than necessary. 

Electric fans use less power than aircons, but old or poorly maintained fans can still contribute to a high electricity bill if used for long hours daily. 

Dust buildup, weak motors, and worn-out parts can reduce efficiency and make the fan work harder. 

Older TVs, especially plasma or early LCD models, tend to use more electricity compared to newer LED or smart TVs.  

Plasma TVs in particular need more power to produce brighter images and larger displays, which can lead to higher electricity usage, especially when used for long hours every day.  

If your TV gets very hot after long use or stays plugged in all day, it may be quietly adding to your monthly electricity costs. 

Before replacing appliances, try these practical habits first: 

• Unplug appliances when not in use 
• Clean aircon filters regularly 
• Avoid overloading refrigerators 
• Use appliances during off-peak hours when possible 
• Choose inverter or energy-efficient appliances for upgrades 

Also check for the energy efficiency label before buying a new appliance. It can help you compare power consumption and estimate long-term savings. 

Old appliances can quietly add to your high electricity bill, especially when they use more power every day. Upgrading to newer, energy-efficient appliances can help you save more over time. 

With flexible product installment options and application processing, Home Credit makes it easier to upgrade your home essentials.  

Want extra peace of mind for your new appliance? Home Credit’s device protection VAS can help protect it from unexpected damage or repairs. 

You can also explore cash loans and digital payments through the Home Credit App.