Appliances

Appliances can account for up to 30% or more of a household's energy consumption.

Refrigerator

One of the biggest energy using appliances in a household, refrigerators have come a long way in energy efficiency since 1990, saving 50% or more over pre-1990 models.

Stove/Oven

Stove technologies haven't progressed as far in energy efficiency as other appliances and gas burners are still the most efficient; however, combination stove/ovens with gas burners and convective electric ovens provide an efficient choice in stove/oven combinations.

Dish Washer

Automatic dish washers consume a significant amount of energy, especially with the dish drying feature on. Replacing older inefficient dishwashers with EnergyStar dishwashers that are designed to use 40% less energy is an optimal retrofit. The savings don't stop there, ENERGY STAR qualified dishwashers typically use one-third less water than non-qualified models. The average ENERGY STAR qualified dishwasher uses 4 gallons per cycle while the average non-qualified dishwasher uses 6 gallons a cycle.

Washing Machine/Clothes Dryer

Recently horizontal-axis washing machines have been developed for residential use (they were common in commercial washing facilities). According to the Environmental Protection Agency, horizontal-axis washing machines can use about 40 percent less water and 50 percent less energy than conventional washers, cause less wear and tear on clothes, and can accommodate large items that won't fit in a top-loader. A typical top-loading washer uses about 40 gallons of water per full load. In contrast, a full-size horizontal axis clothes washer uses between 20 and 25 gallons.