When it comes to managing your monthly demand charge, not all appliances are created equal. Some use small, steady amounts of electricity, while others draw large bursts of power that can quickly raise your home’s peak demand. Understanding which appliances have the biggest impact can help you make simple adjustments that keep your bill in check.
Cooling and Heating
Your HVAC system is typically the largest contributor to demand. When the air conditioner turns on, it draws a significant amount of power in a short burst. During extreme weather, especially cold snaps or heat waves, these systems run more often and can easily create high demand peaks. Spacing out other appliance use while your A/C is running can make a noticeable difference.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Chargers
Level 2 EV chargers can draw as much power as an entire home during charging. Plugging in your vehicle at the same time your A/C, water heater, or dryer is running can create a sharp spike in demand. Using scheduled or overnight charging helps spread out usage and avoid stacking high‑energy loads.
Water Heaters
Electric water heaters cycle on and off throughout the day and draw a substantial amount of power each time they heat a new tank of water. Running hot‑water‑heavy appliances — like dishwashers or washing machines — while the water heater is active can increase your peak.
Clothes Dryers and Ovens
Dryers, ovens, and stovetops all use high amounts of electricity. Running them simultaneously, or at the same time as your HVAC or EV charger, can quickly push your demand to its monthly peak.
By understanding which appliances have the biggest impact, you can take simple steps, like staggering usage or using timers, to manage your demand more effectively and keep your monthly bill predictable.
For a closer look at how each appliance contributes to your home’s electric demand, visit OUC.com/myusage.
