More Efficient Devices Can Save Half of U.S. Energy Use

Measured in units of quadrillion BTUs, or quads, these gadgets consumed 7.8 quads of total consumption of 98.2 quads in 2010. That’s more than the total primary energy consumption of Argentina and New Zealand combined. If Americans used more efficient devices, the country would be able to avoid importing a drop of oil from the Middle East.

TV sets represent the largest category of these various devices. They account for 22% of the load and 4% of the electricity consumed by U.S. households. There are also 225 million ceiling fans installed in the U.S. and energy use for these is expected to grow as more fans are installed in new homes.

If every TV set in the U.S. were using the latest energy-efficient technology, Americans would save 89% of their electricity consumption. The most efficient PCs would save 90% and really efficient video game consoles would save 87% of current consumption.

Total consumption by the top 20 household and top 20 commercial devices could be cut by 47% by more efficient devices. Of course such a turnaround will take time, but it’s worth knowing what the stakes are and how the U.S. could save about half of the $70 billion we now pay for energy to power our modern gizmos.