As a home energy efficiency expert with extensive experience in analyzing home appliances and their energy consumption, I can provide a comprehensive overview of which appliances typically use the most electricity in a household.

Cooling and Heating Systems
The most significant energy consumers in a home are the cooling and heating systems, accounting for approximately 47% of total energy use. These systems are essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment, especially in regions with extreme climates. They operate continuously during peak seasons, which significantly contributes to their high energy consumption.

Water Heaters
Next in line are water heaters, which use about 14% of a home's energy. Water heaters are responsible for providing hot water for various household needs such as bathing, washing dishes, and laundry. They are often set to maintain a high temperature, which can lead to substantial energy usage over time.

Washing Machines and Dryers
Washing machines and dryers together contribute to about 13% of energy use. These appliances are used regularly to clean and dry clothes. Modern energy-efficient models can help reduce this percentage, but the process of washing and drying still requires a considerable amount of energy.

Lighting
Lighting, both indoor and outdoor, accounts for 12% of a home's energy consumption. Traditional incandescent bulbs are being replaced with more energy-efficient options like LED and CFL bulbs, which can significantly reduce energy usage.

Refrigerators
Refrigerators are another significant energy user, consuming about 4% of a home's total energy. They run continuously to keep food fresh and are one of the few appliances that are always on. Upgrading to an energy-efficient model can help lower this percentage.

Electric Ovens
Electric ovens, including ranges and stovetops, use between 3-4% of a home's energy. Cooking is a daily necessity, and while electric ovens are efficient, they still require a significant amount of power to operate.

Entertainment Systems
Television sets, DVD players, and cable boxes collectively account for about 3% of energy use. These devices are often left on standby mode, which can add to their energy consumption.

Dishwashers
Dishwashers use approximately 2% of a home's energy. While they are designed to save water and energy compared to hand washing, they still consume a notable amount of electricity during operation.

Other Appliances
There are many other appliances in a home that contribute to energy usage, such as microwaves, computers, gaming consoles, and small kitchen appliances. While individually they may not consume a lot of energy, collectively they can add up to a significant portion of a home's total energy consumption.

To reduce energy consumption, it's important to consider energy-efficient models when purchasing new appliances, to use appliances during off-peak hours when possible, and to regularly maintain and clean appliances to ensure they are operating at peak efficiency.

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Here's what uses the most energy in your home:Cooling and heating: 47% of energy use.Water heater: 14% of energy use.Washer and dryer: 13% of energy use.Lighting: 12% of energy use.Refrigerator: 4% of energy use.Electric oven: 3-4% of energy use.TV, DVD, cable box: 3% of energy use.Dishwasher: 2% of energy use.More items...read more >>