We live in an age of gadgets. Computers, microwave ovens, coffee makers and dishwashers are just a few of the things that have become so much a part of our lifestyles we can’t imagine living without them.
Though we’re using less energy overall at home due to more efficient appliances, better insulation and other energy-saving measures, much of those savings are being eaten up as we collect more and more gadgets.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the share of residential electricity consumed by appliances and electronics in U.S. homes rose from 17 percent to 31 percent over the last three decades.
Some of the biggest energy guzzlers include central air conditioning units, water heaters, refrigerators, electric clothes dryers and dishwashers. In observance of Earth Day on Friday, here are some comparisons of wattages for other common appliances. A watt measures the amount of energy an appliance uses per second.
So if you really want to go green, you might consider air drying your hair or letting the humidity smooth the wrinkles from your shirt.
