Saving money in the long run with energy-efficient appliances

How to choose energy-efficient products

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Check the label

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All new appliances come with a label explaining how energy efficient they are, which can help you make smarter decisions about what to buy. Energy usage is ranked on a scale from A (the most efficient) all the way down to G (the least efficient), with some older appliances starting from A+++. The worse the ranking, the more the appliance will cost to run. These labels also include the appliance’s annual energy consumption, plus a QR code you can follow for more in-depth information.

The smaller, the better 

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You should also keep in mind when shopping that the bigger the appliance, the more power it will consume - so a smaller fridge will be cheaper to run than a big fridge, even if it has a worse energy rating. You can compare the energy usage of two appliances by checking the yearly energy consumption, shown in kWh/annum, on the label. Look for the product that’s the smallest size that still meets your needs - don’t buy a huge dishwasher you’ll hardly ever fill to capacity.

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What to know about common appliances 

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Ovens

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Fan ovens are more energy efficient than conventional ovens, as their ability to circulate hot air means food can be cooked at lower temperatures or for less time. Plus, an induction hob - which uses magnetic fields to heat the base of the pan, rather than the hob itself - is more efficient than a gas or electric hob. And if you’re considering a self-cleaning oven, keep in mind that it will use more energy than a normal one, as it needs to get much hotter in order to burn off spilled food. 

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Microwaves

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Heating food in a microwave rather than an oven won’t just save you time - it’ll also save you money, as they’re an extremely energy-efficient appliance. While they don’t have energy labels, a microwave’s wattage will indicate how much power it uses. 

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Dishwashers

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It might seem counterintuitive, but using a dishwasher is more efficient than washing dishes by hand, as it uses far less water. Look for one with an A rating to maximise your savings. 

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Fridges and freezers

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Because your fridge-freezer needs to be kept running all the time, choosing an efficient model can spur significant savings. Choosing an A-rated fridge-freezer will save you about £610 over its lifetime compared to an F-rated one, according to the Energy Saving Trust. 

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Kettles

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We’re all guilty of filling up the kettle more than necessary sometimes. To minimise energy wastage, look for an eco kettle that only boils the amount of water you actually need.

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Tumble dryers and washing machines

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Choosing a tumble dryer that alerts you when your clothes are ready will help you stop wasting energy. You can also opt for a heat pump tumble dryer, which reuses the hot air, and is therefore much more efficient. 

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To save energy when washing your clothes, do so at a low temperature and only when you have enough for a full load.

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TVs 

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When it comes to our TVs, we often think bigger is better - but beware that this size will be reflected in your energy bills. One way to save money on your TV, as well as other appliances like laptops and chargers that we often leave plugged in, is by installing a standby saver. This handy device automatically turns your appliances off when not in use, and can run on a timer.

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From swapping appliances to harnessing solar power, there are so many ways to boost your home’s efficiency and save money on your energy bills. For more information, join Heatio and start your journey to an energy-efficient home.

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