How can there be _any_ energy efficiency in a newer stove? It still uses
electricity and if I'm not mistaken, uses resistance heating. Assuming
that
I'll be using the same cooking temperatures with the new one, as I did
with
the old, where are the savings ??

Coils are more efficient, thermostats are more efficient, they're better
insulated, and new designs make better use of the heat. I've no idea how
much of a cost savings that will translate into with an electric power
range/oven set. In our case, the cost savings will be substantial as we'll
be going from a 20 year old double oven pilot based unit to a single oven,
pilotless, electronic ignition unit.

Do you have any figures on "energy efficent fridges" comparing new to
our 20-year old one. I guess the design of the compressor could have
changed in those years, but I doubt the principles that dictate how it
works, have. I guess there could be better overall insulation, but my
suspicion is that manufacturers would skimp on factors that would make
such a common household appliance last longer -- it's counterproductive
to sales and the bottom line, in this global economy.

Wow -- you must not have started looking yet. The new fridges are very
different from the old ones and the cost savings are significant. Most
folks I've talked to that updated from a 20 or so year old model realized a
$10-$20US savings in their monthly electrical bill.

James