Throughout the 19th, 20th and now the 21st century, we have witnessed the rapid advancement of technology first hand. The development of technology has been and still is the paradigm of mankind’s evolution. The increasing breadth of inventions, the deepening of complex scientific knowledge and the ongoing demand for new and better technology are all emblems of the the forward movement of human incentive to mechanize everyday tasks.

Whilst much of these progress stemmed from economic, political and academic reasons, an enormous chunk of the the development has occurred right in our homes exemplified by the increasing rate of household appliance adoption.

Home air conditioning in US households

Within just 50 years, the number of US households with air conditioning has increased more than 15 folds. In 1960, approximately 6.3 million households had access to home air conditioning. This accounted for roughly 12% of all US households. In 2010, approximately 104 million households had access to home air conditioning. This accounted for roughly 88.5% of all US households.

US households with home air conditioning. Image / Tool and Gadget

Washing machines in US households

In 1960, approximately 23.5 million households had washing machines. This accounted for roughly 41% of all US households. In 2008, approximately 92.2 million households had access to washing machines. This accounted for roughly 79% of all US households.

US households with washing machines. Image / Tool and Gadget

Microwave usage in US households

In 1980, approximately 5.6 million households had microwaves. This accounted for roughly 7% of all US households. In 2017, approximately 116.1 million households had access to microwaves. This accounted for roughly 92% of all US households.

US households with microwaves. Image / Tool and Gadget

Dishwashers in US households

In 1960, approximately 3.7 million households had dishwashers. This accounted for roughly 7.1% of all US households. In 2011, approximately 82.2 million households had access to dishwashers. This accounted for roughly 69.3% of all US households.

US households with dishwashers. Image / Tool and Gadget

Refrigerators in US households

In 1930, approximately 3.8 million households had refrigerators or refrigeration of some kind. This accounted for roughly 12.8% of all US households. In 1978, this grew to approximately 82.2 million households. This accounted for roughly 99.7% of all US households.

US households with dishwashers. Image / Tool and Gadget

Moving forward

Although the number of US households today is more than double that in 1960, it is apparent that just by taking a key snapshot of the US households, the rate of increase in adoption of appliances is far beyond the rate of increase in households itself.

Are we asking the right questions, exploring in the right directions and preparing in the right way to prepare for the next 50-60 years?

Sources

[1] Our World In Data / ourworldindata.org

[2] Comin and Hobijn (2004) and others

[3] Tool and Gadget / toolandgadget.com

[4] Statista / statista.com