The Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has released new data based on 2007 shipments of major appliances, highlighting dramatic decreases in home appliance energy consumption since 2000.

Refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers account for a 43% combined decrease in energy consumption since 2000.  From a global climate change perspective, the energy savings realized in 2007 shipments of refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers would offset the CO2 emissions of more than 698 million gallons of gasoline consumed or the annual CO2 emissions from 1.3 coal fired power plants.

Clothes washer energy consumption has decreased by 63% since 2000 while tub capacity has grown by 8%.  Dishwasher energy consumption has dropped nearly 30% and water consumption has declined 29% since 2000.  Refrigerator energy consumption has also decreased 30% since 2000 and efficiency, measured by a unit’s energy factor has increased 39%.  The average refrigerator sold today consumes less energy than a 60-watt light bulb left on 24 hours a day.

Home appliances have proven to be an effective way of reducing residential energy consumption. Replacing older, inefficient appliances with more modern appliances is a leading way for consumers to reap tremendous energy savings.  Additional savings can be obtained by purchasing Energy Star designated appliances.

According to Joseph M. McGuire, president of AHAM, “Appliance manufacturers have shown a commitment to efficiency that goes well beyond adherence to federal efficiency standards.  Through additional investments in technology and consumer awareness, partnering with retailers,  and promoting Energy Star, our industry has led the way in taking residential energy efficiency to the next level. This data shows that replacing older appliances can make a huge impact in a family’s energy budget.”

AHAM’s historical Energy Efficiency and Consumption Trends are available for purchase on the AHAM web site http://www.aham.org.