New energy efficiency standards for microwave ovens could help US householders save nearly $3 billion (£1.96bn) on their energy bills by 2030.

The US Department of Energy suggests the standards would cut energy usage in standby mode by 75% in microwave ovens without convection features, i.e. one that doesn’t include a fan and by 51% for microwave ovens with convection.

They are also expected to help cut 28 million metric of carbon pollution in the next three decades – equivalent to taking more than 12 million new cars off the road every year.

Energy Secretary Ernest Moniz said: “Appliance efficiency standards represent a huge opportunity to help families save money by saving energy while still delivering high quality appliances for consumers. In fact, the common sense appliance standards adopted over the last four years will save Americans about $400 billion (£261.5bn) on their utility bills through 2030.”

The new standards will go into effect in 2016.