Energy saving electrical appliances

Most people consider a badly behaving appliance to be one that simply doesn't work. 

But that's not always the case. You may not be aware but badly behaving appliances could also be those that you think never let you down. Lurking unseen in your home is an energy wasting appliance, ready to behave badly the moment you switch it on… 

If your appliance isn't energy efficient, then it's behaving badly. An energy efficiency recommended washing machine will cost you a third less electricity for each wash and could save you more money over its lifetime than the cost of the machine itself. 

Old appliances cost more to run than new ones, so always try to buy new machines rather than second hand. It'll save you more money in the long run. And remember, cheap doesn't always mean efficient. An appliance costing £250 could cost way more to run than a slightly more expensive energy efficient one. 

Fridges

There is no such thing as a cheap fridge. Sure, it may seem like a good idea at the time when you're standing in the store, but once you get it home you'll realise how much real money a cheap fridge actually costs you and the environment. 

Fridges and freezers are the most hardworking appliances in our kitchens - they are on the go 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, working right through the night to cool and freeze food. So, if your fridge or freezer is behaving badly, it's costing you a lot more to run than a nice energy efficient one will.

Buying a nice new Energy Efficiency Recommended fridge could save you up to £45 a year on your old electricity bill and a substantial reduction in carbon dioxide output.

Why not check out the Energy Efficiency Recommended logo, it explains what you need to look out for when shopping for the most energy efficient products. 

The label will tell you at a glance the energy efficiency of each model compared with other appliances of the same category. Models labelled “A” are the most energy efficient and can use up to half the energy of a similar “G” rated model.

Don't leave the door open for longer than necessary, as cold air will escape. Avoid putting hot or warm food straight into the fridge; allow it to cool down first. Defrost your fridge regularly to keep it running efficiently and cheaply. If it tends to frost up quickly, check the door seal. And if you absolutely have to site your fridge next to a cooker or boiler, leave a good gap between them. 

Did you know? UK households spend £1.2 billion worth of electricity every year, just on refrigeration alone. 

Discounts off fridges and washing machines

Discounts off A-rated energy efficient fridges and washing machines are available via a scheme being run by TXU and Currys. The scheme is open to all and may provide a discount of between £30 - £100 on various brands.

Lights

Always turn them off when you leave a room and adjust your curtains or blinds to let in as much light as possible during the day. 

If you use a particular light for an average of four hours or more a day, then replace it with an energy-saving equivalent - which will use around a quarter of the electricity and last up to 12 times longer. Energy efficient bulbs cost around £5 each, but will give you a saving on your bills of £10 over the year. 

See our page showing where discounts are available on energy saving light bulbs.

Televisions

Televisions, videos, stereos, computers, cordless phones: To cut down on wasted energy, avoid leaving appliances on standby and remember not to leave them on charge unnecessarily. But check the operation manual to make sure that this won't reset the appliance's memory. 

Washing Machines

Washing machine and tumble dryers: Always wash a full load and if you can't, use a half-load or economy programme if your machine has one. Always use the low temperature programme bearing in mind that modern washing powders will be just as effective at lower temperatures. And don't put really wet clothes into a tumble dryer; wring them out or spin-dry them first. It's much faster and it will save you money. 

Dishwashers

Try and use the low temperature programme, and ensure you wash a full load. 

Pots and pans: Choose the right size pan for the food and cooker (the base should just cover the cooking ring) and keep lids on when cooking. With gas, the flames only need to heat the bottom of the pan. If they lick up the side then you're wasting heat. And don't use more water than you need because it doesn't only waste energy, it spoils food. 

Kettles

Heat the amount of water you really need and if you're using an electric kettle, make sure you cover the elements. Jug-type kettles need less water as they have smaller elements. 

Showers

An ordinary shower uses only two-fifths of the water needed for a bath. If you don't have a shower why not buy special attachments for your bath taps? They're widely available. 

Also see our Energy Saving Tips for more ways of saving energy in the home.