When it comes to soaring electricity bills, one household appliance often goes unnoticed as a true “energy guzzler”: the electric water heater. While most appliances consume power gradually, the water heater draws massive amounts of electricity in a very short time, making it one of the most expensive devices to run. Unlike a refrigerator or television, which steadily sip electricity, a standard electric water heater uses heating elements that can pull between 3,000 to 4,500 watts every time it’s in operation. To put this in perspective, that’s the equivalent of running dozens of light bulbs or multiple computers all at once.

Even worse, water heaters cycle on and off throughout the day to keep water at a set temperature, meaning you are paying for energy use even when you’re not actively using hot water.

The result? A single minute of heating water can cost as much in electricity as several hours of running smaller household appliances, such as fans, LED lights, or even your Wi-Fi router. Over the course of a month, this hidden consumption can double your electricity bill, especially in larger households where hot water demand is high.

Compounding the issue is poor maintenance. Sediment buildup inside the tank forces the heater to work harder and longer, while outdated models lack modern energy-saving technology. In contrast, newer “on-demand” or tankless systems only heat water when needed, drastically reducing waste.

To save money, experts recommend lowering your water heater’s thermostat to 120°F, insulating the tank and pipes, and considering an upgrade if your system is more than 10 years old. Small lifestyle changes—like shorter showers, washing clothes in cold water, and running dishwashers on eco-mode—can also curb unnecessary energy use.

In short, while many blame TVs, microwaves, or air conditioners for high bills, it’s often the humble water heater silently consuming electricity in giant gulps.