<br />Author: Lec. Dr. Bareq Ali Abdulhadi<br />Department of Building and Construction Engineering Technologies<br />College of Engineering and Technology<br />Al-Mustaqbal University, 51001, Babylon, Iraq<br />Abstract<br />Ironing clothes is a common household activity that, while often overlooked, contributes significantly to global energy consumption. This article examines the energy usage associated with ironing, providing quantitative estimates and highlighting its environmental implications.<br />1. Introduction<br />Ironing is a routine task aimed at removing wrinkles from clothing, enhancing appearance and hygiene. Despite its ubiquity, the cumulative energy consumed by ironing worldwide is substantial, warranting a closer examination of its environmental impact.<br />2. Energy Consumption of Ironing<br />2.1. Power Usage of Irons<br /><br />The power consumption of electric irons varies based on design and functionality:<br /><br />- Dry irons: Typically consume between 800 to 1,200 watts<br />- Steam irons: Can consume up to 2,200 watts<br /><br />For example, using a 1,100-watt iron for 15 minutes daily results in:<br />- Daily consumption: 0.275 kWh<br />- Annual consumption: Approximately 100 kWh per household (source: energyusecalculator.com)<br />3. Global Energy Implications<br />Estimating the global energy consumption for ironing involves several assumptions:<br /><br />- Number of households ironing daily: Assuming 1 billion households worldwide engage in daily ironing<br />- Average annual consumption per household: 100 kWh<br /><br />Total global consumption:<br />1 billion households × 100 kWh = 100 billion kWh (100 TWh) annually<br /><br />To contextualize, this is approximately 0.34% of the total global electricity production, which was nearly 29,000 TWh in 2022 (source: Wikipedia).<br />4. Environmental Impact<br />The energy used for ironing contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, especially in regions where electricity is generated from fossil fuels. Reducing ironing frequency or adopting energy-efficient practices can mitigate this impact.<br />5. Recommendations<br />To reduce energy consumption associated with ironing:<br /><br />- Use energy-efficient irons: Opt for models with automatic shut-off features and adjustable temperature settings<br />- Iron in bulk: Ironing multiple garments in one session can be more energy-efficient than multiple short sessions<br />- Alternative methods: Utilize garment steamers or hang clothes in steamy bathrooms to reduce wrinkles<br />- Fabric choices: Select wrinkle-resistant fabrics that require less ironing<br />6. Conclusion<br />While ironing is a routine activity, its cumulative energy consumption on a global scale is noteworthy. By adopting energy-efficient practices and being mindful of ironing habits, individuals can contribute to energy conservation and environmental sustainability.<br />References<br />- "Electricity usage of an Iron." Energy Use Calculator<br />- "Estimating Appliance and Home Electronic Energy Use." U.S. Department of Energy<br />- "Electric energy consumption." Wikipedia<br />