Refrigerators, dishwashers and clothes washers are accounting for 43 percent of an overall decrease in energy consumption, according to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM).

The new data issued by AHAM suggests dramatic decreases in energy consumption since 2000.

AHAM points out the 2007 global shipments of refrigerators, dishwashers and washing machines offset the CO2 emissions of more than 698 million gallons of gasoline or the annual CO2 emissions from coal-fired powered plants.

Joseph M. McGuire, president of AHAM, says the white goods industry has made a conscious effort to improve the energy consumption of its products above what the government mandates.

"Appliance manufacturers have shown a commitment to efficiency that goes well beyond adherence to federal efficiency standards," he says.

"Through additional investments in technology and consumer awareness, partnering with retailers and promoting Energy Star, our industry has led the way in taking residential energy efficiency to the next level."

AHAM says that washing machines' energy consumption has decreased 63 percent since 2000, while their tub capacity has increased 8 percent.

Dishwasher energy consumption has also dropped almost 30 percent and their water consumption has dropped 29 percent since 2000.

The organization also says refrigerator energy consumption has decreased 30 percent since 2000. Their efficiency, when measured by a unit's energy factor, has increased 39 percent to the point where AHAM claims that refrigerators use less electricity than a 60-watt light bulb that's left on for an entire day.