It's Time to Set a New Trend In Energy Consumption

(NewsUSA) - The U.S. is the largest consumer of energy in the world. According to a recent McKinsey & Company report, one of the world's leading management consulting firms, U.S. households alone consume about 25 percent of the world's energy and produce 19 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions.

However, it is projected that the U.S. could be surpassed by both China and India as the leading energy consumer in the near future. So, what can we do to reverse this unsettling global trend and set a better example to other nations following in our footsteps?

The answer could be as simple as replacing our old appliances with more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly new ones. By doing this, the average U.S. household could substantially reduce its carbon footprint.

If all residents in New York City were to update appliances over 10 years old to newer ones, CO2 emissions could be reduced by 1.6 billion pounds each year -; equivalent to all households in the city driving a car 242 fewer miles.

This is only one of several findings by Electrolux, the Sweden-based global leader in home appliances and parent of Electrolux Major Appliances - North America. As the recipient of the sustainable award in Corporate Commitment given by the European Commission, they are dedicated to reducing energy consumption of products, factories and services.

This study has found that if all homes in the U.S. were to replace appliances over 10 years of age, the results would be dramatic:

- In Los Angeles, residents could collectively save approximately $124 million each year on utility bills.

- In Chicago, 4.9 billion gallons of water would be saved annually -; enough to fill 17.8 Empire State Buildings.

- If every outdated appliance were replaced by today's most efficient models, the U.S. would save enough electricity to power all of its houses for 26 days.

Electrolux's EcoSavings calculator, located online at www.electrolux.com/ecosavings_us, can show consumers how they can reduce their carbon footprint simply by replacing their older appliances. The calculator will allow people to see the benefits applied to over 300 metro areas and any state.

For the latest in appliances that can conserve energy for your home, please visit www.electroluxappliances.com.