Fridge, dishwasher or internet box, our daily appliances sometimes consume more than we think. A look back at their energy impact and the means to limit it.
†RTE asks French who can postpone their electricity consumption until this weekend instead of Monday regarding the use of household appliances“. The call of the operator of the national electricity grid, linked to: the severe cold spell that is currently hitting the country, may also prompt us to rethink our consumption of everyday appliances. Fridge, dryer, electric oven, which appliances consume the most energy? And what are the best ways to moderate their consumption? Le Figaro Make the point.
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The fridge with freezer compartment
With an average annual consumption of almost 400 kWh per year according to ADEME (French Agency for Environment and Energy Management), the combination of these two conservation is undoubtedly the most energy-intensive. While they are essential, there are ways to best limit the consumption of these two devices.
From a practical point of view, it is preferable to adopt the correct temperature settings: between 4 and 5 degrees for the refrigerator, -18 degrees for the freezer. It is also necessary to maintain your appliance regularly, especially the rear grille and the seals.
According to ADEME, “accumulated dust and dirt can be the source of 30% of the appliance’s electricity consumption“. Finally, make sure that the air circulates in the device and that the food† It is also not recommended to leave the doors open for too long.
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The dryer and the washing machine
The two devices consume an average of 200 and 100 kWh per year respectively, according to ADEME. As with the refrigerator and freezer, there are simple habits to limit their energy impact.
The tumble dryer represents about 15% of the energy consumption annual household. To reduce electricity consumption, do not overload the drum to allow the hot air to circulate properly and clean the filter regularly.
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For the washing machineprefer low temperatures, washing at 30 degrees takes three times less energy than washing at 90 degrees, cold washing twice less than washing at 40 degrees.
Do not hesitate to use the program “environmentally friendlywhich saves water and thus energy. Finally, be sure to optimize the drum fill to accommodate the maximum amount of clothing.
The dishwasher
ADEME’s first recommendation: “Consider replacing your dishwasher if it is old“. With an average annual consumption of about 180 kWh per year, a change of appliance can be welcome, recent models use half as much water as those of ten years ago.
Since 80% of the energy consumption of a dishwasher is used to heat water, the less water the appliance consumes, the less energy it consumes. As for the washing machine, give preference to the mode “environmentally friendly” Where “50 degreeswhich can reduce consumption by up to 45% compared to an intensive program.
More generally, it is preferable to remove the crumbs from the dishes beforehand, clean the filter and seals regularly and start the machine during off-peak hours if your tariff option allows.
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Hobs and oven
With an annual consumption of about 120 kWh for the plates and 100 kWh for the oven, cooking food is expensive in terms of energy.
For baking trays, there is a simple tip if you do boiling water : put a lid on the pan, the water boils faster and you use about four times less energy.
For fans of convection ovens, take the opportunity to prepare several dishes at once, saving cooking time and thus energy.
IT and high-tech equipment
According to ADEME, “the computer equipment of the French represents an increasingly important part of their electricity consumptionStarting with the internet box, which per household would consume between 150 and 300 kWh per year. Insofar as 93% of the French had internet in 2021 (Insee), the energy impact is growing.
computer fixed annually consumes between 120 and 250 kWh, the laptop between 30 and 100 kWh.
For television, the impact is also significant in that its consumption when it is on standby for 20 hours is equivalent to watching four hours.
