Some customers even have energy audits done on their homes to figure out which appliances are raising their bill the most. That can generally give us a good idea of how much power is being used and what is using it. But there are ways to at least have an accurate idea of what a particular appliance will cost you. The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that about 20 percent of your household's energy consumption comes from home appliances. At the top of the power consumption list is your refrigerator.
Clothes dryers are other big energy users.
The lifetime of a particular appliance is a source of great variation. Refrigerators last an average of 20 years, while room air conditioners and dishwashers last about 10 years each. Dishwashers last about 14 years. It can be somewhat confusing, to say the least. One of the biggest aids to helping consumers pick appropriate appliances is the EnergyGuide label, required by governmental decree to be on the majority of appliances.