Appliances account for about 13% of your household's energy costs, with refrigeration, cooking, and laundry at the top of the list. Let the E. Smith E. Man help save you money and energy with tips for proper appliance usage. E. Man Tip #8: Use small electric pans, toaster ovens, or convection ovens for small meals instead of a large stove or oven. A toaster or convection oven uses 1/3 to 1/2 as much energy as a full-sized oven.