In Panama, residential electricity consumption represents a significant portion of national demand, and a large part of that consumption comes from household appliances. Knowing which appliances consume the most energy allows you to make informed decisions for your home or residential project.
Below is a table listing the home appliances that consume the most energy, ordered from highest to lowest estimated annual consumption, along with the main reasons for their high energy usage:
| Appliance | Estimated Annual Consumption (kWh) | Reason for High Consumption |
|---|---|---|
|
Clothes dryer |
4,000 – 5,000 kWh |
Uses intense electric heat to dry clothes in long cycles. |
|
Air conditioner |
Up to 3,300 kWh per unit |
Operates for long periods and requires high power to cool enclosed spaces. |
|
Water heater |
2,500 – 3,000 kWh |
The electric heating element consumes a lot of energy to heat large volumes of water. |
|
Washing machine |
1,200 – 1,500 kWh |
The water heating cycle significantly increases consumption. |
|
Electric oven |
800 – 900 kWh |
High energy demand to reach and maintain high temperatures. |
|
Fridge |
Up to 600 – 700 kWh |
Operates continuously 24 hours a day, every day of the year. |
|
Microwave |
150 – 300 kWh |
Frequent use and high power in short bursts. |
Sources:
- National Authority of Public Services (ASEP) – Electricity Consumption Reports.
- National Energy Secretariat of Panama – National Energy Plan.
- U.S. Department of Energy – Residential Energy Consumption Survey (RECS).
- International Energy Agency (IEA) – Global Energy Review.
At Refriparts Panama, we understand the importance of knowing the energy behavior of your household appliances. If you’re considering upgrading your equipment or want to improve the efficiency of the ones you already have, we’re here to help with technical advice, preventive maintenance, and smart solutions.