WASHINGTON–Energy consumption by major appliances has decreased dramatically since 2000, according to a study of new-product shipments by the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers.
Comparing the data on shipments between 2000 and 2007, AHAM found that refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers accounted for a combined 43 percent decrease in energy consumption since the beginning of this decade. An AHAM statement said the energy saved by 2007’s shipped products would offset the carbon dioxide emissions of more than 698 million gallons of gasoline, or the annual carbon dioxide emissions from 1.3 coal-fired power plants.
Looking at the individual product categories, AHAM’s research showed that energy consumption by clothes washers plummeted by 63 percent since 2000, while tub capacity rose 8 percent. Dishwasher energy consumption has fallen by nearly 30 percent, and water consumption has dropped 29 percent. Refrigerator energy consumption was down 30 percent during the decade, and efficiency (measured by each unit’s energy factor) increased 39 percent.
Joseph McGuire, AHAM president, said the research showed appliance manufacturers’ “commitment to efficiency,” and that households can make a huge impact on their energy expenditures by replacing older appliances.