Power Consumption of Various Home Appliances

Some home appliances use a lot of energy to operate.

Home appliances, especially those with heating elements and large motors, can use a lot of power. Appliances with "always-on" features use power even when they are turned off. Knowing the power consumption of different appliances can help with conserving energy.

Heating Appliances

Appliances that have heating elements draw the most power of any type. Electric clothes dryers (4500 watts, on average), electric stoves (12,000 W), space heaters (1500 W), irons (1200 W), hair dryers (1250 W), toasters (1250 W) and microwave ovens (up to 1500 W) have high levels of power consumption. These appliances do not usually run for extended periods; paying close attention to usage times will help conserve power.

The Midnight Raiders

Many household appliances are power thieves. Stoves have clocks that constantly draw power, as do microwave ovens; TVs, stereos, radios and telephones may all have "always-on" LED displays. Computer monitors and printers also draw power continuously. These "midnight raiders" add about 10 percent to the energy consumption of an average household.

Considerations

Household appliances are necessary and beneficial, but they can be costly to operate. Save money and energy by reducing unnecessary power consumption. Many products are available to help reduce energy consumption, including solar power sources, which operate for free while the sun shines.

References

• Glendale Water and Power: How Much Does it Cost to Operate My Appliances?
• PoweredGenerators.com: Home Wattage Calculator
• Green Living Tips: Standby Power Electricity Consumption