A new study by Opower found that the average Yahoo Mail household uses 11% more electricity per year than a Gmail household. The study looked at the correlation between email address and electricity usage across 2.8 million American households, focusing primarily on Yahoo Mail and Gmail because they are the most popular email providers.
The average Yahoo Mail household spends $110 more per year on electricity than a Gmail household. Not only is that a pretty significant number, it adds up to almost a whole extra month of electricity compared to Gmail households. According to Opower, it’s as if, relative to the average Yahoo household, the average Gmailer is strictly hang-drying their laundry, forgoing high-definition TV, and hand-washing their dishes with cold water for a year.
So why is it then that Gmail users tend to be more energy efficient? For one, lifestyle plays a crucial role. Continue reading