The average Canadian home contains most of the six major appliances, which are: a refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, range, clothes washer, and clothes dryer. In this average home, the appliances are responsible for 23% of all home energy consumption (Howell, 2008).

Natural Resource Canada’s Office of Energy Efficiency shows the average amount of energy used by each of these appliances (Natural Resources Canada, 2009):

Using 1990 as a baseline, appliances in the average home in Canada used 5,789 KWH of energy annually:

Energy consumption can be reduced significantly through the use of Energy Star appliances. The following provides an example of what could be accomplished using some of the more highly rated appliances available (U.S. Environmental Protection Agency):

* Electric ranges and clothes dryers are not rated as part of the Energy Star program because there is little difference in energy use among models. We have used the Natural Resources Canada energy use statistics for 2006.

Using more efficient appliances (Energy Star where applicable) can result in a 49% decrease in energy use. When you purchase new appliances or replace your existing appliances, close consideration should be given to purchasing the most energy efficient EnergyStar rated appliances.