Illinois Homeowners Should Watch These 5 Energy-Hungry Appliances

Illinois families trying to stay cool this summer may be shocked to learn which household appliances are really driving their electric bills through the roof right now.

Air conditioning is not working

Dog Days of Summer in Illinois

The time of year when I seriously dread opening utility bills has officially arrived in Illinois.

It seems like the air conditioner never took a break during Illinois' last heat wave, and when the electric bill arrives I'm sure I'll be wondering if we accidentally cooled the entire neighborhood.

READ MORE: When Does IL's Back-to-School Tax Holiday Begin?

Running the AC may be the biggest money sucker each summer in Illinois, but a new study has found that there are a few other appliances that help put the hurt on our wallets this time of year.

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Most Expensive Appliances to Run in Illinois

A new study highlighted by the Rockford Register Star reveals which household appliances are costing Illinois residents the most to operate, and while a few of the results aren't surprising, others might make you think twice before hitting the start button.

The rankings come from Power Choice Texas, which analyzed common household appliances and their average electricity costs, and here's what the study found are the five biggest budget busters in Illinois:

1. Portable air conditioners - Yes, central air conditioning uses plenty of electricity, but portable units are even bigger energy hogs.
2. Electric clothes dryers - If it's a nice day, hang those clothes to dry outside.
3. Upright Freezer - Having a freezer stocked with grilling meat in your basement or garage each summer is awesome, but running it a few degrees warmer could save you some money.
4. Refrigerator - Just like the freezer, turning the temperature up a couple of degrees may help.
5. Portable dehumidifier - Many Illinoisans run dehumidifiers 24/7 in their basement during the summer. Putting it on a timer can help reduce electricity costs.

Obviously, most of these money-burning appliances are necessities, not luxuries, so the goal isn't to stop using them, just try to use them a little more efficiently.

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More Ways to Save Money This Summer

If you're tired of sweating over your electric bill, here are a few more simple ways you can help cut costs from Keep Cool Illinois:

• Raise your thermostat a couple of degrees.
• Use ceiling fans whenever possible.
• Close window shades to keep heat out.
• Wash clothes in cold water and wait until you have full loads.

Since I won't be turning the air conditioner off anytime soon, I'm going to make a few of these small changes to prevent me crashing out the next time I open the electric bill.