Impact of shifting certain appliances

High impact

• Electric heat. Most heating needs are at night when it is coldest. Portable space heaters should be used as little as possible during on-peak hours.
• Electric water heater. You can install a timer that limits water heating to off-peak hours. Most tanks store enough hot water for on-peak use.
• Electrically heated spa, hot tub or pool. You can install a timer that limits hot tub, spa or pool heating to off-peak hours.
• Other large users of electricity. You can shift electric welding equipment, commercial painting equipment, high-intensity industrial lighting and other large electricity users to off-peak hours.

Moderate impact

• Central air conditioner. Most air conditioning is used on-peak (high-cost times). Limit use during on-peak hours and cool during off-peak hours.
• Dehumidifier, outdoor lights, pumps. Install plug-in or hard-wired timers on outdoor lights, pumps, dehumidifiers and other large appliances.
• Electric clothes dryer. Do laundry during off-peak hours.
• Electric range. Bake and cook during off-peak hours.

Low/no impact

• Household lighting
• TV, computer, electronics
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Small appliances
• Clothes washer (unless you have an electric water heater)
• Gas heat
• Gas water heater
• Microwave oven

Note: Appliances that consume the same amount of electricity day or night cost slightly less on Time-of-Use.

How to tell if you have a gas or electric water heater

Gas Water Heater Gas water heaters have a large exhaust pipe (metal or plastic) on top of the unit going from the heater to a chimney or out the side of the house.

Electric Water Heater Electric water heaters do not have an exhaust pipe — just small water pipes running into the top of the unit.

More energy-saving tips