A Simple Guide to Choosing and Using Appliances Wisely
Appliances are part of everyday life.
Fridges keep food cold, washing machines clean clothes, while ovens and dishwashers save us time and effort.
However, all these appliances use energy.
Some use very little, while others can add noticeably to your electricity bill.
So, energy efficiency is not about avoiding appliances. Instead, it is about choosing the right appliance and using it well.
Just as importantly, an efficient new appliance does not always mean you should replace one that already works.
The aim is to make sensible choices.
Start With What You Already Have
Before buying a new appliance, ask whether you actually need one.
A newer model may use less electricity. However, replacing a working appliance also costs money.
For example, suppose a new fridge saves £30 a year in electricity but costs £600.
If you are replacing a broken fridge anyway, the better efficiency may be worthwhile.
However, spending £600 purely to save £30 a year is a very different decision.
Therefore:
Don’t replace a working appliance simply because a newer one uses less energy.
Instead, consider replacement when the existing appliance is old, faulty, unsuitable or becoming expensive to run.
Efficiency Is Only Part of the Cost
When comparing appliances, it is easy to focus on the energy rating.
However, the total cost of owning an appliance can include:
- Purchase price
- Electricity use
- Water use
- Repairs
- Maintenance
- Expected lifespan
How often you use it matters too.
For example, a small difference in electricity use may matter greatly for an appliance running every day.
The same difference may matter much less for something used only occasionally.
So, consider the whole picture rather than one number.
Size Matters
A larger appliance can use more energy than a smaller one, even when it has a good efficiency rating.
For example, a very large fridge-freezer has more space to keep cold.
Likewise, a large television has a bigger screen to power.
Therefore, when buying an appliance:
Choose the size you actually need.
Buying more capacity than you use can mean paying more to buy the appliance and more to run it.
Look at Annual Energy Use
Energy labels can help you compare appliances.
However, do not look only at the letter rating.
Where shown, check the appliance’s estimated energy use as well.
This is usually given in kilowatt-hours (kWh).
That figure can help you compare the likely electricity use of different models.
For example, if one appliance uses 150 kWh per year and another uses 250 kWh, the difference is:
100 kWh per year
You can then multiply that difference by your electricity unit rate to estimate the cost.
We explain energy labels in more detail separately.
Learn more about Understanding Energy Labels →
Fridges and Freezers
Fridges and freezers are different from many household appliances because they operate throughout the day and night.
They switch their cooling systems on and off as needed to maintain the correct temperature.
Therefore, small differences in efficiency can add up over time.
When choosing one, consider:
- Size
- Energy use
- Available space
- Features you actually need
Again, avoid buying a much larger appliance than necessary.
You will be cooling empty space for years.
Use Your Fridge Efficiently
A fridge needs air to circulate inside.
Therefore, avoid packing it so tightly that cold air cannot move properly.
At the same time, repeatedly leaving the door open allows warmer room air inside.
The fridge then needs to remove that extra heat.
So, know what you want before opening the door.
Also, allow hot food to cool appropriately before placing it in the fridge rather than putting it in while still very hot.
Check Fridge Door Seals
The door seal helps keep cold air inside.
If it becomes damaged or no longer seals properly, warmer air can enter.
As a result, the fridge may need to work harder.
Therefore, check that the door closes properly and keep the seal clean.
If the seal has failed, see whether it can be replaced before assuming you need a new fridge.
Give Fridges and Freezers Space
A fridge removes heat from inside the cabinet and releases it into the surrounding room.
Therefore, the appliance needs suitable airflow around the parts designed to release that heat.
Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on clearance and ventilation.
Also, avoid placing a fridge or freezer next to a strong heat source where possible.
Making the appliance fight unnecessary heat can increase the work it needs to do.
Freezers
Freezers also operate throughout the day.
Therefore, good use and maintenance matter.
Check that:
- The door closes properly
- Seals are in good condition
- Ice does not build up excessively
- The appliance has suitable ventilation
If your freezer needs manual defrosting, heavy ice build-up can reduce usable space and may affect performance.
So, defrost it when needed.
Washing Machines
A washing machine uses electricity to turn the drum, pump water and run its controls.
However, heating the water can account for a significant part of the energy used during many wash cycles.
Therefore, lower-temperature programmes can often use less energy.
For suitable laundry, a 30°C wash may be enough.
However, some items may need a higher temperature for hygiene or care reasons.
So, follow the clothing and detergent guidance where needed.
Wash Full Loads Where Practical
Running a washing machine half empty can mean using energy and water to wash relatively few clothes.
Therefore, full loads can be more efficient.
However, this does not mean forcing as much washing as possible into the drum.
Overloading can affect washing performance.
Instead, use a sensible load for the programme and machine.
Eco Programmes
Many modern washing machines and dishwashers have an Eco programme.
These cycles can take longer, which sometimes makes people assume they use more energy.
However, a longer programme does not automatically mean higher electricity use.
Eco programmes often reduce energy by using lower temperatures and allowing more time to achieve the result.
So:
Longer running time does not always mean more energy.
The amount of power being used during that time matters too.
Tumble Dryers
Tumble dryers can be significant electricity users, particularly when used frequently.
However, different types work in different ways.
Common types include:
- Vented dryers
- Condenser dryers
- Heat-pump dryers
Heat-pump tumble dryers can use less electricity than many traditional electric dryers because they recover and reuse heat.
However, they may cost more to buy and can take longer to dry clothes.
Therefore, consider both purchase and running costs.
Reduce Tumble Dryer Use Where Practical
Drying clothes outside costs no electricity.
Indoor drying can also avoid tumble-dryer electricity use, but it adds moisture to the home.
Therefore, if you dry clothes indoors, make sure there is suitable ventilation.
When using a tumble dryer, a good spin cycle in the washing machine can help first.
Removing more water before drying means the dryer has less work to do.
Also, clean filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
This helps the machine work properly and safely.
Dishwashers
A dishwasher uses electricity mainly to heat water and run pumps.
As with washing machines, using the appliance efficiently can reduce waste.
Where practical:
- Run sensible full loads
- Use Eco programmes
- Avoid unnecessary pre-rinsing
- Keep filters clean
However, load the dishwasher properly.
If dishes cannot be cleaned because the machine is overloaded or badly arranged, washing them again wastes both energy and water.
Do You Need to Rinse Dishes First?
Modern dishwashers and detergents are designed to deal with normal food residue.
Therefore, fully washing dishes under a hot tap before putting them into the dishwasher can waste water and energy.
Instead, remove larger food scraps and follow the dishwasher manufacturer’s guidance.
If pre-rinsing is needed, avoid using more hot water than necessary.
Kettles
Kettles use a relatively high amount of power.
However, they normally operate for only a short time.
Therefore, the biggest opportunity is often simple:
Only boil the water you need.
Boiling a full kettle for one cup means heating water that you may not use.
If you regularly make one or two drinks, fill the kettle accordingly while staying above any minimum fill level.
Ovens
Electric ovens need energy to heat the oven cavity and maintain the set temperature.
Therefore, avoid opening the door unnecessarily while cooking.
Each time you open it, hot air escapes and the temperature falls.
The oven then needs to heat back up.
Where suitable, cooking several items together can also make better use of the heat you have already produced.
Do You Always Need to Preheat?
Not every meal needs a long preheat.
Some foods do require the oven to reach the correct temperature before cooking.
However, others can begin heating while the oven warms.
Follow the cooking instructions where necessary, but avoid leaving an empty oven heating for longer than needed.
Hobs
When cooking on a hob, match the pan to the cooking area where possible.
A small pan on a much larger heating zone can waste energy.
Using lids can also help because they keep more heat inside the pan.
As a result, food or water may reach the required temperature sooner.
Once boiling, many foods also do not need the hob left at maximum power.
Reduce the heat to the level needed to continue cooking.
Microwaves
A microwave can be an efficient way to heat or cook smaller amounts of food.
Unlike a full-sized oven, it does not need to heat a large oven cavity first.
Therefore, reheating one portion in a microwave may use less energy than heating a whole oven.
However, the best appliance still depends on what you are cooking.
Use the appliance that suits the job.
Air Fryers
Air fryers have become popular because they can cook some foods using less energy than a conventional oven.
One reason is their smaller cooking space.
As a result, they can heat quickly and may need less energy for smaller portions.
However, they are not automatically cheaper for every meal.
If you need to run several batches to cook enough food, the advantage may become smaller.
So, compare the amount of food and cooking time rather than assuming one appliance always wins.
Slow Cookers
Slow cookers use relatively low power but run for several hours.
This is a good example of why power alone does not tell you the cost of using an appliance.
To understand energy use, you need both:
Power × Time
A low-power appliance running for many hours can still use a meaningful amount of electricity.
However, it may still be efficient compared with another cooking method for the same meal.
We cover these calculations separately.
Learn more about How Much Electricity Appliances Use →
Televisions
Modern televisions vary greatly in size and energy use.
A larger screen will often use more electricity than a smaller one with similar technology.
Picture settings can affect consumption too.
Therefore, extreme brightness may use more energy than a suitable normal setting.
Many televisions also have energy-saving features.
Use them where they do not affect your enjoyment.
Computers and Home Offices
Home working can add to electricity use through:
- Desktop computers
- Monitors
- Laptops
- Printers
- Speakers
- Networking equipment
A laptop will often use less electricity than a powerful desktop computer.
However, the difference depends on the equipment and how it is used.
Sleep settings can help reduce electricity use when a computer is left unattended.
Likewise, equipment that does not need to remain on overnight can be switched off.
Standby Power
Many devices use a small amount of electricity while waiting to be used.
This is known as standby power.
Modern appliances are generally much better at limiting standby use than many older devices.
Therefore, switching everything off at the wall may not save as much as people sometimes expect.
However, several devices using small amounts continuously can still add up.
So, focus on equipment that does not need to remain powered.
Smart plugs and switchable extension leads can make this easier where appropriate.
Be Careful What You Switch Off
Not every appliance should be routinely disconnected.
For example, fridges and freezers clearly need power.
Other equipment may need electricity for timers, updates, recordings, security or other functions.
Therefore, understand what a device does before switching it off.
Energy saving should make life easier, not create new problems.
Chargers
A charger with no device attached generally uses far less electricity than when it is actively charging.
Therefore, phone chargers are unlikely to be the biggest source of waste in most homes.
Still, there is little reason to leave unnecessary equipment powered indefinitely.
The better approach is to focus first on the larger energy users.
Start with the big costs before worrying about tiny ones.
Portable Electric Heaters
Portable electric heaters can use a lot of electricity while operating.
For example, a 2 kW heater running continuously at full power for one hour would use up to:
2 kWh
However, thermostatic heaters may switch on and off rather than draw full power continuously.
Therefore, actual energy use depends on how long the heating element operates.
Portable heaters can be useful in the right situation, but understand their running cost.
Explore Heating & Hot Water →
Smart Appliances
Some appliances can connect to apps or smart-home systems.
This may allow you to:
- Check their status
- Schedule operation
- Receive alerts
- Track energy use
- Run them at different times
These features can be useful, particularly with time-of-use electricity tariffs.
For example, a dishwasher or washing machine may be scheduled for a cheaper period where this can be done safely.
However, a smart feature does not automatically make an appliance energy efficient.
Smart and efficient are not the same thing.
Look at the actual energy use as well.
Appliances and Smart Tariffs
Some electricity tariffs charge different prices at different times.
If you have one of these tariffs, moving suitable appliance use to cheaper periods can reduce cost.
However, this may not reduce the amount of electricity used.
It simply changes when you use it.
This gives us an important distinction:
Energy efficiency reduces energy use.
Time-of-use tariffs can reduce the price paid for that energy.
Both can save money, but they work differently.
Don’t Run Appliances Unsafely Just to Get Cheaper Electricity
Cheaper overnight electricity can make it tempting to run appliances while everyone is asleep.
However, safety still comes first.
Follow manufacturer and fire-safety guidance for appliances such as washing machines, tumble dryers and dishwashers.
Saving a small amount on electricity is never worth creating an avoidable safety risk.
When Should You Replace an Appliance?
There is no single age at which every appliance should be replaced.
Instead, consider replacement when:
- It has failed
- Repairs are becoming frequent
- Repair costs are too high
- It no longer meets your needs
- It uses unusually large amounts of energy
- A more suitable appliance would provide clear benefits
If the appliance still works well, replacement purely for energy savings needs more thought.
Repair or Replace?
Suppose a washing machine develops a fault.
You might have three choices:
Repair it
Buy a similar replacement
Buy a more efficient replacement
The cheapest option today may not always be cheapest over several years.
However, neither is the most efficient new appliance automatically the best financial choice.
Consider:
Purchase cost + running cost + expected life
That gives you a much better basis for comparison.
Payback Matters
Imagine a new appliance costs £500.
Your existing appliance costs about £90 a year in electricity, while the new one would cost around £60.
The saving would be:
£30 per year
If you were buying a new appliance anyway, the lower running cost is useful.
However, replacing a working appliance purely to save £30 each year would need careful thought.
This is why energy efficiency should be considered alongside the cost of the appliance.
Look After the Appliances You Have
Maintenance can help appliances work properly and may extend their life.
Depending on the appliance, this might include:
- Cleaning filters
- Checking seals
- Defrosting when needed
- Removing lint
- Keeping vents clear
- Descaling where appropriate
- Following maintenance instructions
A well-maintained appliance may last longer and perform better.
That can save money in ways that do not appear on an energy label.
Don’t Chase Tiny Savings While Ignoring Big Ones
It is easy to become focused on very small electricity users.
However, your time is better spent looking first at appliances that use more energy or operate for long periods.
For example, consider:
- Electric heating
- Hot water
- Tumble drying
- Cooking
- Refrigeration
- Frequent washing
After that, look at the smaller background loads.
This helps you focus your effort where it is most likely to matter.
Use Your Smart Meter or App
If you have a smart meter, your in-home display or supplier app may help you understand appliance use.
For example, you can sometimes watch electricity demand change when a high-power appliance switches on.
However, the display shows the combined electricity use of the home.
So, it may not tell you exactly how much one appliance uses.
For a more detailed measurement, a suitable plug-in energy monitor or smart plug with energy monitoring may help with some plug-in appliances.
A Sensible Approach to Appliances
You do not need to replace everything in your home.
Instead:
1. Understand what uses the most energy
Focus on appliances that run often or use high power.
2. Use what you already own efficiently
Choose suitable programmes, loads and settings.
3. Maintain your appliances
Keep filters, seals and vents in good condition.
4. Replace when there is a reason
A fault, high running cost or changing need may make replacement worthwhile.
5. Compare energy use when buying
Look beyond the purchase price.
6. Buy the right size
Do not pay to run capacity you do not need.
7. Consider the total cost
Purchase price and running costs both matter.
Before Buying a New Appliance
When the time does come to buy, compare more than the headline energy rating.
Look at:
- Purchase price
- Energy use
- Size and capacity
- Water use where relevant
- Features
- Warranty
- Expected use
- Repair options
- Running costs
Most importantly, buy something that suits how you actually live.
The biggest, smartest or highest-specification appliance is not automatically the best choice.
In Short
Energy-efficient appliances can help reduce electricity use.
However, buying new appliances is only part of the picture.
How you use them matters too.
Run sensible loads, use Eco programmes where appropriate, avoid heating more water than necessary and maintain the equipment you already own.
Then, when an appliance genuinely needs replacing, compare its likely running costs as well as its purchase price.
Remember:
A more efficient appliance can use less energy.
But replacing a working appliance still costs money.
So, rather than replacing everything simply because newer technology exists:
Use wisely. Maintain what you have. Replace when it makes sense.
Energility
Understand More. Spend Less. Live Better.