We all know we should turn off the lights when we leave a room, but how much energy does turning off unused appliances really save?

The answer, according to the U.S. Department of Energy, is based on a simple calculation. Each appliance uses a different wattage to be able to operate, and these individual wattage figures-which can usually be found on the bottom or back of each appliance-help determine the total energy consumption an appliance uses each day.

To determine each item's daily kilowatt-hour consumption, simply multiply the wattage figure by the number of hours the appliance is used each day and divide by 1,000.

Some appliances use more watts to run each hour than others. For example, a clock radio typically only uses about 10 watts to operate, whereas a clothes dryer can use anywhere from 1800 to 5000 watts. Our local utility, KCPL, also has an online calculator that calculates the cost based on your current electric rates.

Here are a few other examples of the wattage of common appliances:
• Coffee maker: 900-1200
• Clothes washer: 300-500
• Dishwasher: 1200-2400 (the drying feature greatly increases the energy consumed)
• Ceiling fan: 65-175
• Furnace fan: 750
• Portable Heater: 750-1500
• Personal Laptop computer: 50
• Computer monitor awake: 150 - Asleep: 30 or less
• Computer CPU awake: 120 - Asleep: 30 or less

When you do try to conserve energy, don't simply switch an appliance to off. Appliances can still draw small amounts of power even when they aren't on, and according to the U.S. Department of Energy, 75% of electricity used to power electronics and appliances in the average home is consumed when the items are switched off. To avoid this energy use, use a power strip to shut off appliances or unplug anything that is not being used.

To learn more about conserving home energy use visit the U.S. Department of Energy.