Winter electricity breakdown at my home: paying a fortune but don't know why

Your high winter electricity bill is mainly down to the electric heater, which uses more than half of your energy. The rest is split between the PC, the fridge and lighting.

## The big energy guzzler: the heater

The largest share of your winter electricity use, almost **61.5%**, goes to the heater. A **400W** unit running **16 hours a day** adds up to **192 kWh** a month, which works out at around **€34.56** in consumption alone. Add the fixed cost of the contracted capacity, the meter rental, the special tax and VAT, and the total bill can skyrocket.

## Other costs that add up

Beyond the heater, other appliances also contribute to your bill. The **gaming PC**, along with its monitor, uses **79.20 kWh** a month, **25.4%** of the total, costing around **€14.25**. The **fridge**, running 24 hours a day, accounts for **7.1%** with **22.20 kWh** and about **€4.00**. The **six 14W lights**, on for an average of 7 hours a day, add **17.64 kWh** and **€3.18**, or **5.7%**. The washing machine, at just **1.20 kWh** and **€0.22** a month, barely registers.

## The impact of air conditioning

If you use air conditioning on top of the heater, the cost rises considerably. Running two AC units for **three hours a day** in winter can add around **€16.20** net to your bill. In summer, with the same usage, the net cost would be **€12.15**. Fans, although they use less, also add up: two **30W** fans running **20 hours a day** for a month can cost around **€8.12** including taxes.