How to choose an energy-efficient appliance

How the energy label system works

The EU energy label was overhauled in 2021. The old system had crept up to A+, A++, and A+++ ratings, which made it almost impossible to tell the difference between products. The new labels run from A to G, with A being the most efficient.

Here's the important part: very few products currently achieve an A rating. The scale was deliberately designed with room at the top so that manufacturers have something to aim for. That means a B or C-rated appliance today is genuinely efficient — don't be put off by it not being an A.

What the label actually tells you

Every energy label shows the same core information, though the specifics vary by appliance type:

• Energy rating (A to G) — the overall efficiency class
• Annual energy consumption in kWh — this is the number that directly relates to your electricity bill
• Noise level in decibels — rated from A to D on newer labels
• Capacity — litres for fridges, kg for washing machines, place settings for dishwashers
• Water consumption — for washing machines and dishwashers

The kWh figure is the one most people overlook, but it's the most useful. Multiply it by your electricity rate (currently around 24p per kWh on a standard tariff) and you've got the approximate annual running cost.

Fridges and freezers

Your fridge freezer is the one appliance that runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. That makes its energy rating more impactful on your bills than any other appliance in your home.

• Look at the kWh figure first — even within the same letter rating, there can be a 30–40 kWh difference between models
• Don't buy bigger than you need. A larger fridge uses more energy even when it's half empty
• Frost-free models use slightly more energy but save you the hassle of manual defrosting
• American-style fridge freezers are larger and use more energy — great if you need the space, but worth checking the kWh if efficiency is a priority

Washing machines

A modern washing machine rated A uses around 50 kWh per year on the eco cycle. An older machine might use three or four times that.

• The energy rating is based on the eco programme at 60°C with a full load — real-world usage will vary depending on which cycles you use
• Higher spin speeds (1400–1600 rpm) extract more water, which means less time in the tumble dryer if you use one
• A 9kg drum is the sweet spot for most households — big enough for a family load without being oversized for smaller washes

Tumble dryers

Tumble dryers are one of the most energy-hungry appliances in the home, so the efficiency rating matters here more than most.

• Heat pump tumble dryers are the most efficient type — they recycle hot air rather than venting it, using roughly half the energy of a condenser dryer
• They cost more upfront but the running cost savings add up quickly, especially if you use the dryer several times a week
• Sensor drying is worth looking for — the machine stops when clothes are dry rather than running for a fixed time

Dishwashers

A modern dishwasher is actually more water-efficient and energy-efficient than washing the same load by hand — as long as you run it full.

• The eco cycle is always the most efficient option, even though it runs for longer
• Look at water consumption on the label — efficient models use around 9–10 litres per cycle
• A 14 place-setting machine suits most family kitchens; slimline models (10 place settings) are available if space is tight

Ovens and hobs

Ovens don't carry the new-style energy labels yet, but efficiency still varies between models. A few things to consider when choosing a new cooker:

• Fan ovens are more efficient than conventional ovens — they distribute heat evenly so you can cook at a lower temperature
• Induction hobs are significantly more efficient than gas or ceramic — they only heat the pan, not the air around it, and respond instantly to temperature changes
• If you're replacing a gas hob, induction is worth considering for both efficiency and safety

The real cost of an older appliance

If your appliance is ten or more years old, it's almost certainly costing you more to run than a modern replacement. Technology has moved on significantly — not just in energy use but in water consumption, noise levels, and programme intelligence.

As a rough guide, replacing a 12-year-old fridge freezer with a modern C-rated model could save you £50–70 per year on electricity alone. Over the life of the appliance, that adds up to more than the price difference between a basic and mid-range model.

What to look for — a quick summary

• Check the kWh figure, not just the letter rating
• Don't buy bigger than you need — oversized appliances waste energy
• Use eco programmes wherever possible
• Heat pump tumble dryers pay for themselves over time
• Consider induction if you're replacing a hob
• Factor running costs into your budget, not just the sticker price

If you're not sure which model is right for your household, come and talk to us in store. We can walk you through the options and help you find the right balance of features, efficiency, and budget.