Appliances are the most common labor-saving devices in our homes. Whether helping us keep clean, comfortable, or nourished, appliances are an essential part of daily life. And although they can save us a lot of time and effort, their use comes with an energy cost.

Cooktops, ranges, and microwaves

The energy-related differences between the various ways to cook and bake food usually have very little to do with either the device or its fuel. Although there may be incremental energy savings between different devices, the overall energy used to cook and bake food in most homes is relatively small—$50 to $75 per year on average. There are presently no ENERGY STAR standards for these appliances.

Dishwashers

At one time dishwashers were relatively rare in households; today they are a common component of many kitchens. Aside from obvious convenience and timesaving, dishwashers can also help to sanitize dishes, potentially reducing the occurrence of illness. In addition, an efficient dishwasher will also use less hot water than washing dishes by hand. 

Laundry equipment

The typical household in America cleans and dries about 400 loads of laundry in a year. Up to 90% of the energy used to wash clothes is used to heat water, and the energy use of dryers is directly related to the moisture content of the clothes; these two factors illustrate the energy-saving opportunities in a typical laundry room.

Refrigerators and freezers

Refrigerators are one of the appliances that use a lot of energy in a typical home. In fact, in most Minnesota homes a refrigerator is the largest user of electricity, after air conditioners.