Skip to main content

SEARCH

Menu
Get quote icon Get Quote
our tariffs icon Our Tariffs
Our Reviews

Tips for Buying Energy-Efficient Home Appliances in the UK

Looking to save money on your energy bills while making a smart investment for your home? Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is a win-win! Here at Your Co-op Energy, we're all about empowering you to make informed choices that are good for your finances and the planet.

This guide will equip you with the knowledge to choose the perfect energy-saving appliances for your needs

Know Your Energy Efficiency Performance Certificate Ratings

Look for the energy label – your key to comparing appliance efficiency. It displays an A-G rating, with A being the most energy-efficient. The label also shows the estimated annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Remember, size matters! A smaller, A-rated fridge might use less energy than a larger one with a higher rating.

To find out more, see our Energy Efficiency Certificate Ratings guide.

modern UK kitchen

Appliance Size Matters for Overall Energy Efficiency

Try not to get carried away by different features and larger sizes that you may not need – buying the appliance size that's right for your needs will achieve the best efficiency. Appliances with a large capacity mean more energy will be used when on or in standby mode even, this includes home appliances with a high efficiency rating.

For example, a large clothes washer might be ideal for a big family, but a smaller high-efficiency model might be more suitable for a single person or couple.
man using a water dispenser from a fridge

Think Features, Not Frills

Fancy features like automatic defrost or multiple wash cycles can add to your energy consumption and lower efficiency. For every home appliance you're willing to upgrade, consider which features you will genuinely use allow that to steer your decision when choosing an appliance.

For instance, do you really need a refrigerator with a built-in ice dispenser? If you rarely need crushed ice, a simpler fridge model without a dispenser could be a better choice to balance function and efficiency.
young couple choosing kitchen appliances

Beyond the Upfront Price

Energy-efficient appliances might have a slightly higher upfront cost, but try and think long-term about your costs. The money you save on electricity bills over the years with efficient appliances will likely outweigh the initial investment. You can check the estimated annual energy consumption on the label and compare it with similar models, as this will help you calculate how much you might save on your electricity bill over the lifetime of the appliance.

Look for the Blue Energy Star

This label identifies top-performing, energy-efficient appliances on the market. Try and look for the blue Energy Star logo when shopping around as it signifies there's significant energy savings to be had over the appliance's lifetime. Energy Star-certified appliances allow you to class your home as low for consumption, saving you money on your energy tariff with Your Co-op Energy.

How to Increase Energy Efficiency with or without Efficient Appliances

How and when you use your home appliances can affect how much energy they use. Daily appliances like washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers alone contribute to roughly 10% of a household’s energy bills. So, your usage behaviour matters when it comes to energy efficiency and ultimately your electricity bills. Better energy habits can turn pennies into pounds in no time.

Try to:

washing machine temperature dial

Avoid high temperatures for washes

woman unloading a dishwasher

Using appliances more than necessary

person loading a washing machine

Washing with space left in the appliance

Standby is far from shutdown

Standby devices still use electricity and cost the average UK home £147 each year according to British Gas. It's estimated that 55% of UK households leave appliances on standby, wasting 23% of electricity due to the energy they consume when they're not being used.

Even when switched off, some appliances sneakily use energy, this is called standby mode. Many modern devices, even when seemingly inactive, use small amounts of power.
Making smart choices about your appliances doesn't have to be expensive. By following these tips, you'll be on your way to a more energy-efficient home, saving money and helping the environment!

If you would like to learn more about highly efficient, renewable energy for your home with a quote tailored to your consumption levels, explore Your Co-op Energy.