Best and Worst Times of Day To Use Your Air Conditioner, Dishwasher and More To Save on Utilities

Depending on your utility provider, you may be able to sign up for a time-of-use rate plan. These plans encourage customers to use their appliances during times of day when demand is down by lowering the costs to use utilities during these times.

For example, PG&E offers two time-of-use rate plans. With the 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. plan, customers pay a higher price to use electricity between the hours between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m. but will pay a lower price for usage before 4 p.m. and after 9 p.m.

The electricity provider also offers a 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. plan that comes with even lower prices, but more rules. With this plan, customers pay peak prices for the electricity they use during the weekdays (excluding most holidays) from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., and will pay the lowest prices offered before 5 p.m. and after 8 p.m. on weekdays, as well as all hours on weekends and most holidays. In addition, October through May offers lower prices than the four months of summer (June through September).

Your electricity provider may offer similar plans to the ones listed above. If you are eligible for a time-of-use rate plan, here are some tips for when to use your appliances to take advantage of the lowest prices.

PG&E recommends pre-cooling your home during off-peak hours.

“If you have air conditioning, cool your home during lower-priced times,” PG&E advises. “Then, nudge it up to 78° F or higher (health permitting) during peak times.”

If you want to use your dishwasher, washer or dryer during off-peak hours (after 8 p.m. or 9 p.m., depending on your plan), you can save some effort by loading them ahead of time.

“During peak times, get your dishes loaded and your clothes ready to wash or dry, then wait until lower-priced off-peak times to wash them,” PG&E suggests.

With your appliances ready to go, you can press “start” when peak hours end.

“When peak time ends, run your laundry or dishwasher overnight,” PG&E advises.

Your dryer and warm-water washing can produce extra heat in your home, making your air conditioner have to work harder during the summer months. Save these heat-producing tasks for lower-priced off-peak times, especially during this time of year.

During peak hours, keep your thermostat at 68° F or lower during the colder months.

“Your home uses 3 to 5% more energy for every additional degree that it’s raised,” PG&E states. “Instead of turning up the heat, try adding layers of clothing and blankets, especially during peak hours.”