Save Money With Energy Efficient Appliances

What makes an appliance energy-efficient?

An energy-efficient appliance is engineered to reduce the resources it needs to complete the task it’s designed for. For a dishwasher or washing machine, this often means using less water in each cycle. For fridge freezers and tumble dryers, it means more insulating properties to maintain the desired temperature for longer. These small adaptations to modern appliances directly benefit your power bill, help to reduce greenhouse emissions and reduce your carbon footprint for a cleaner, greener planet.  

Read on to learn more about maximising the efficiency of your existing appliances, or if it’s time to upgrade, top picks for the best machines on the market. 

Energy-Efficient Dishwashers

Not only does an energy-efficient dishwasher use less electricity and water than an older model, but it uses even less energy than hand washing! In fact, studies show while the average amount of water used for handwashing dishes is 9 litres, a modern dishwasher uses just one-tenth of that amount of water for the same task. Even the least efficient models used half as much water as filling your sink. 

You can improve the power consumption of an older model dishwasher using these tips:

• Only running it with a full load.
• Scrape, don’t rinse. Pre-rinsing your dishes uses unnecessary water.
• Skip the dry cycle – open the door and air dry instead.

While we should all do what we can to help our appliances run more efficiently, the biggest impact is opting for machines with efficiency built-in. According to Which?, over seven years, the difference in energy consumption between the most and least efficient dishwashers comes in at around £259. 

Ready to upgrade? 

Top Energy Efficient Washing Machines

Like dishwashers, washing machines rely heavily on water and electricity to get the high level of cleaning we’ve come to expect. But, while older models can use as much as 170 litres of water per load, a modern machine can use as little as a third of this with the same result. Why the difference? With an increased focus on efficient appliances, manufacturers have engineered their machines to have shorter, more economical wash cycles without sacrificing cleaning power.

Use these tips to improve the efficiency of your older model of washing machine:

• Utilise your “quick wash” cycle where possible.
• Opt for a cold or 30°C wash to use less energy.
• Wait until you have a full load before washing. 

These tips will help even the least efficient machine reduce its water and energy consumption, but for the most impact, upgrade your washing machine to a modern model with efficiency built into its design. 

Energy Efficient Tumble Dryers

One of the most expensive appliances in terms of running costs, tumble dryers are a luxury most of us couldn’t live without, especially during cold, wet winters. But, the energy efficiency of your tumble dryer can make a huge difference to your energy bill. Like other appliances, tumble dryers are given an efficiency rating from A  to G. But did you know that a medium rated C tumble costs twice as much to run as its A counterpart? 

If you’re using a low rated tumble dryer, use these tips to help improve its efficiency:

• Untangle clothes and do up duvet buttons to prevent damp spots.
• Use the right program for your clothing type.
• Empty your condenser and lint filter after each use.

Whether your tumble dryer is past its prime or you’re considering buying one for the first time, the good news is that technology has come a long way in the past decade. Running a tumble dryer is a fraction of the cost it once was, with plenty of energy-efficient options available. 

Energy Efficient Fridge Freezers

Unlike other home appliances, a fridge freezer is one of the few white goods to consume electricity 24 hours a day. So, it makes sense to choose a model that uses that energy as efficiently as possible. A fridge freezer can use £300-£1000 worth of electricity over a ten year period, so there’s more to think about than just the purchase price.

Here are a few tips for helping your fridge freezer perform at its best:

• Place it away from ovens or tumble dryers that heat the air.
• Check your seals. Damaged seals make your fridge work harder.
• Set the right temperature. Fridges should be kept at 2-4°C and freezers between -15°C and -18°C.

Undoubtedly, the best way to reduce the running costs of your fridge freezer is to choose one that has a high energy efficiency rating. If yours is no longer maintaining the right temperature, is damaged or is more than ten years old, it may be time to consider an upgrade.

Upgrade Your Home Appliances Today

Upgrading to more energy-efficient home appliances may cost you more in the short term but can make a big difference to your overall power and water consumption. Now more than ever, this is an essential factor to consider when choosing a new appliance. 

ElectroCare makes it easy to upgrade your appliances with a wide range of finance plans to get the right product for your needs, whatever your budget. Use Zip or Newpay to spread the cost of your home improvements and enjoy lower energy bills for years to come.