Which two major home appliances typically use the most kilowatt-hours?

• A. Electrical Water Heater and Clothes Dryer
• B. Refrigerator and Freezer
• C. Washer and Dryer
• D. Dishwasher and Oven

Answer: (A)

The main idea is that energy use in a home is driven by devices that heat things or operate high-wattage components for long periods. An electric water heater and a clothes dryer typically take the largest share of kilowatt-hours because they run at high power and for many hours—hot water is used for showers, cleaning, and laundry, and the clothes dryer uses a strong heating element to dry clothes over and over. Refrigerators and freezers run constantly but are highly efficient and insulated, so their energy use per hour is lower; washers use less energy per cycle, and while dishwashers and ovens can draw significant power, they’re used less continuously than heating water or drying clothes. Together, the electric water heater and the clothes dryer are the most energy-demanding pair.