Some everyday household items are quietly making your bills skyrocket.
It’s easy to blame rising expenses on inflation, but sometimes, the biggest money drains are sitting right under your nose. Your home is full of everyday items that, while useful, might be costing you way more than you realize. Some are sneaky energy hogs, others encourage unnecessary spending, and a few are simply outdated money pits that should have been replaced years ago.
The worst part? These hidden costs add up over time, slowly draining your wallet without you even noticing. But once you spot the culprits, you can start making small changes that lead to serious savings. Here are ten surprising things in your home that are quietly chipping away at your hard-earned cash.
1. That old refrigerator is guzzling electricity.
If your fridge is over a decade old, it’s likely consuming way more energy than modern models, according to Houzz. Older refrigerators weren’t built with the same efficiency standards, and their worn-out seals and outdated compressors force them to work harder just to keep your food cold. The result? A sky-high electricity bill that could be significantly lower with a simple upgrade.
Newer Energy Star-rated refrigerators use far less power while keeping your food just as fresh. If replacing it isn’t an option right now, make sure the seals are intact, clean the coils regularly, and keep the temperature settings optimized to avoid unnecessary energy waste. A small investment in maintenance can help curb its appetite for electricity.
2. Your water heater is wasting energy 24/7.
Most people don’t think about their water heater unless there’s no hot water, but it’s constantly working in the background—often using more energy than necessary. If your unit is older or set to a high temperature, you’re likely paying for heat you don’t even use, as stated by Stack Exchange. Traditional water heaters keep gallons of water hot all day, which means you’re heating water even when you’re not home.
Lowering the temperature to around 120°F and insulating the tank can cut energy costs significantly. If your heater is nearing the 10-year mark, switching to a tankless model could save even more by heating water only when you need it.
3. That cable box is running up your electric bill.
Many people assume that turning off the TV is enough, but cable boxes and streaming devices often continue drawing power even when not in use, as reported by Brian Palmer of NRDC. Some older models run nearly as much energy as a small refrigerator just sitting idle, adding unnecessary dollars to your monthly bill.
A simple fix is plugging your cable box into a power strip and switching it off completely when it’s not needed. Some newer devices have energy-saving settings, so if you haven’t checked your settings lately, now’s the time to make some adjustments.
4. Your beloved coffee maker is sneakily costing you.
Your daily cup of coffee might be a necessity, but your coffee maker could be using more power than you think. Machines with built-in hot plates, automatic timers, or fancy digital displays constantly draw electricity, even when they’re not brewing.
To cut back on waste, unplug your coffee maker when it’s not in use or opt for a thermal carafe model that keeps coffee warm without using extra power. You’ll still get your caffeine fix without the hidden costs.
5. That oversized water-guzzling toilet is flushing money away.
Older toilets use way more water per flush than modern, high-efficiency models. If your toilet was installed before 1994, it could be using up to 3.5 gallons per flush—compared to newer models that use as little as 1.28 gallons. That extra water usage adds up quickly, especially in a household with multiple people.
Installing a low-flow toilet or adding a simple water displacement device (like a filled water bottle in the tank) can reduce water waste. It’s a small switch that can lead to noticeable savings on your water bill.
6. The automatic air freshener is making you spend more than you think.
Those plug-in air fresheners or automatic sprayers may keep your home smelling nice, but they also keep you trapped in a cycle of constant refills. The cost of replacement cartridges adds up fast, and some models even use a small amount of electricity to operate.
A better alternative? Essential oil diffusers or DIY baking soda-based deodorizers last longer and cost a fraction of the price. Plus, you won’t have to worry about breathing in the questionable chemicals that come with many artificial fragrances.
7. That rarely used landline phone is still charging you.
If you still have a traditional landline, there’s a good chance you’re paying for something you barely use. Many phone companies bundle landlines with internet service, making it seem like a deal, but if you don’t actually need it, it’s just an extra charge.
Cutting the cord and switching to a VoIP service (or using your mobile phone exclusively) can eliminate this outdated expense. Most people don’t even miss their landline once it’s gone.
8. The garage freezer is eating up unnecessary energy.
A second freezer in the garage can be a lifesaver for bulk shopping, but if it’s old or half-empty most of the time, it’s just an energy hog. Unlike kitchen refrigerators, garage freezers often work harder due to temperature fluctuations, especially in extreme heat or cold.
If you really need the extra freezer space, make sure it’s well-insulated and kept full—an empty freezer uses more energy than a packed one. If it’s an older model, replacing it with an Energy Star-certified unit could cut your electricity bill significantly.
9. That fancy smart home device isn’t as efficient as advertised.
Smart devices are supposed to save you money, but some actually do the opposite. Always-on assistants, smart thermostats, and connected appliances can drain energy if they’re not optimized correctly. Even when in standby mode, they continuously draw power, adding to your electric bill.
Adjusting settings to reduce unnecessary usage, setting devices to “eco” mode, or unplugging them when not needed can help balance convenience with cost savings. Sometimes, old-fashioned manual control is the more budget-friendly option.
10. Your dusty old incandescent bulbs are burning extra cash.
If you’re still using incandescent light bulbs, you’re literally burning money every time you flip the switch. These outdated bulbs use significantly more energy and have a shorter lifespan than LED alternatives. While the upfront cost of LED bulbs may be higher, they pay for themselves quickly in lower electricity bills and fewer replacements.
Switching to energy-efficient lighting can save you hundreds over the years. Even swapping out the most frequently used bulbs in your home can make a noticeable difference in your monthly bill.