Electric water heaters, while often overlooked, rank just behind space heating as the most power-consuming appliances in households. Despite their low profile, they can significantly impact electricity bills, especially when combined with poor usage habits or lack of maintenance.
Hidden in Plain Sight: The True Cost of Hot Water
Most people assume their oven, dishwasher, or refrigerator are the biggest culprits when it comes to energy usage. Yet, these common appliances are relatively energy-efficient when compared to the water heater, according to Commentcamarche.
For instance, an electric oven typically uses around 130 kWh per year, a washing machine about 100 kWh, and a dishwasher near 200 kWh. Even a television or Internet box tends to stay within the 150 to 200 kWh per year range.
In contrast, an electric water heater consumes an average of 800 kWh per year per person, according to Ademe, France’s ecological transition agency. This means a typical 200-liter tank serving a family of four can easily reach 3,200 kWh annually, costing upwards of €600 per year at current energy rates.
Larger systems, such as a 300-liter tank, can use more than 5,000 kWh per year, pushing the device into the number two spot in household electricity consumption, second only to heating.
Why Higher Temperatures Mean Higher Bills
A major reason for such high energy use is temperature over-setting. Many people unknowingly adjust their water heaters to 60 °C or more, which the source calls both “useless and costly.” Not only does this practice waste electricity, it also isn’t necessary for hygiene or comfort.
According to the article, maintaining water temperature between 50 and 55 °C is ideal. This range is warm enough for daily needs and prevents the growth of legionella bacteria, the microorganisms responsible for legionellosis. Making this simple adjustment can lead to meaningful savings without compromising on safety or convenience.
A Maintenance Issue with Big Consequences
Beyond temperature, another factor driving up energy bills is lack of maintenance. Over time, limescale builds up on the heating element inside the tank, particularly in areas with hard water. This buildup causes the heater to work harder, using more electricity to achieve the same water temperature.
The article highlights that regular descaling by a professional is essential. When left unchecked, scale-covered resistors lose efficiency and cause energy consumption to spike. This isn’t just a technical issue—it directly affects household electricity bills.
The Quiet Burden of Modern Comfort
Although water heaters don’t draw much attention in day-to-day life, their round-the-clock operation and common misuse make them a silent but significant source of energy drain. Especially in homes where users set high temperatures and neglect maintenance, the cost adds up fast.
Understanding which appliances consume the most electricity—and how they’re used—offers a clear opportunity to control energy spending. Among all common household devices, the electric water heater is likely the most underestimated.
