Have you ever looked at your energy bill and wished you could piece out exactly which appliances were causing the numbers to jump? According to the Alliance to Save Energy, the average American household spends about $2,160 per year on energy, but this figure could be reduced by 30% by using ENERGY STAR certified appliances. But which appliances should be the first to get switched out? Here are the top four energy-hogging appliances in your home:

• The heating and cooling system. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning) systems are responsible for about 47% of the average American household's energy expenses, so they are the obvious place to start when looking to save money. Make sure your home is well-insulated, have your HVAC system inspected regularly by accredited home inspectors, and consider switching to an ENERGY STAR certified system.
• The water heater. As 14 percent of the average home's energy use, water heaters are prone to energy-wasting, especially if you have them set too high — 120 degrees Fahrenheit or lower is best. An energy-efficient water heater can cut water use by half.
• Electric lighting. There is really something to the idea that turning lights off when you leave a room saves energy — lighting fixtures are responsible for 12 percent of your energy expenditures, and can be made more efficient by switching out incandescent bulbs in favor of compact fluorescents or LEDs.
• The washer and dryer: Constituting 6 percent of the average home's energy costs, these appliances hog way more than their fair share of costs. You can save over $30 per year simply by washing your clothes in cold water.

To prepare your home for the winter, schedule an energy audit with Alban Inspections today. We will make recommendations for updating your home to be as energy-efficient as possible, saving you money in the long run.