The Best Time of Day to Use Appliances to Save Energy

Published: August 3, 2025

Did you know that the time of day you run your washing machine, dishwasher, or air conditioner can impact your electricity bill? Many utility companies use a pricing system called Time-of-Use (TOU), which means you pay more for electricity during peak demand hours and less during off-peak times.

What Is Time-of-Use (TOU) Pricing?

Time-of-Use pricing charges different rates for electricity based on the time it's used. These rates are typically broken into:

• Peak hours – High demand periods, usually in the late afternoon and early evening.
• Off-peak hours – Lower demand times, usually late at night or early morning.
• Mid-peak hours – Transition periods between peak and off-peak.

In areas with TOU pricing, shifting your usage to off-peak times can reduce your electricity bill significantly without changing how much energy you use.

Why It Matters

Appliances like dryers, ovens, and air conditioners consume a lot of electricity. Running them during peak hours can cost more and also put stress on the electrical grid. Using them at the right time saves money and helps reduce energy demand overall — a win-win for your wallet and the environment.

General TOU Schedule (Varies by Region)

• Peak: 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Mid-peak: 11:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Off-peak: 9:00 PM – 7:00 AM

Note: These times can vary depending on your utility provider. Check your local utility company’s website for your specific schedule.

Best Practices by Appliance

• Washing Machines & Dryers: Run them early in the morning or late at night.
• Dishwashers: Use the delay-start feature to run them after 9 PM.
• Electric Water Heaters: Heat water during off-peak hours if your system allows scheduling.
• EV Chargers: Schedule charging overnight, when electricity is cheapest.
• Air Conditioning: Cool your home early in the day and reduce usage during the afternoon peak.

Tips to Take Advantage of Off-Peak Energy

• Use programmable appliances to automate schedules.
• Set timers for water heaters or pool pumps.
• Install a smart thermostat to reduce cooling or heating during peak hours.
• Opt for energy-efficient appliances that consume less power overall.

Final Thoughts

Saving energy isn’t just about using less — it’s also about using it wisely. If your area supports Time-of-Use pricing, shifting your habits to off-peak hours is one of the easiest ways to cut costs without changing your lifestyle.

Remember: every kilowatt-hour used off-peak is a step toward a greener planet — and a lighter energy bill.

Want more energy-saving tips? Explore our full blog archive or try our free WattWise Estimator Tool to see where you can start saving today.