Some appliances use much more energy than others.
So, when buying a new appliance, it is worth checking how much energy it uses. However, buying a new appliance is not always the best way to save money.
First, look at what you already have and how you use it.
Which Appliances Use Most Energy?
How much electricity an appliance uses depends on two main things:
- how much power it uses
- how long it runs
So, a high-power appliance used for a few minutes may cost less than a lower-power appliance left on for many hours.
Appliances that heat or cool often use a lot of energy.
These can include:
- tumble dryers
- washing machines
- dishwashers
- ovens
- electric showers
- fridges and freezers
However, your own use matters too.
Learn more: Appliance Electricity Use →
Check the Energy Label
When buying some new appliances, you will see an energy label.
This can help you compare similar products.
However, don’t look only at the rating letter.
Also, check the energy use shown on the label.
For example, two appliances may have the same rating but use different amounts of electricity.
This may happen because one is larger or has different features.
So, compare appliances that meet the same need.
Choose the Right Size
Bigger is not always better.
A larger fridge, freezer or washing machine may use more energy than a smaller one.
So, think about how much space or capacity you really need.
For example, there may be little benefit in running a large dishwasher half empty every day if a smaller one would suit your home.
Choose an appliance that fits how you live.
Use Eco Settings
Many washing machines and dishwashers have an eco setting.
These programmes often take longer.
However, they can use less energy because they may use less water and heat it more slowly or to a lower temperature.
So, don’t assume that a longer programme must use more energy.
Check the appliance instructions to see how its eco setting works.
Wash Full Loads
Where suitable, try to run washing machines and dishwashers with a sensible full load.
This can reduce the number of cycles you need.
However, don’t overload them.
Too much washing or too many dishes can affect how well the appliance works.
So, follow the maker’s guidance.
Use Lower Temperatures
Heating water uses energy.
So, washing clothes at a lower temperature can often reduce electricity use.
However, choose a programme and temperature that are suitable for what you are washing.
Some items may need a hotter wash.
Think Before Using the Dryer
Tumble dryers use electricity to remove water from clothes.
So, reducing how often you use one can save energy.
Where practical, you could:
- spin clothes well before drying
- dry full but suitable loads
- clean the filter
- use sensor drying if available
- air-dry clothes when suitable
However, drying clothes indoors adds moisture to the air.
So, make sure the home has enough ventilation.
Learn more: Draught Proofing and Ventilation →
Keep Fridges and Freezers Working Well
Fridges and freezers run for much of the day.
So, small problems can add up over time.
Check that:
- door seals work properly
- doors close fully
- air can move around the appliance as required
- ice does not build up more than the maker recommends
- the appliance is not colder than needed
Also, let hot food cool before putting it in the fridge or freezer, while following food-safety guidance.
Cooking
The way you cook can also affect energy use.
Simple steps can help.
For example:
- use the right size pan
- use lids where suitable
- heat only the water you need
- avoid heating a large oven for a very small amount of food when a suitable smaller appliance would do the job
However, don’t choose an appliance only because it is said to be cheaper to run.
The amount of food, cooking time and type of meal all matter.
Don’t Forget Standby Use
Some appliances still use a small amount of electricity when they appear to be off.
This is called standby power.
For one modern appliance, the amount may be small.
However, several devices left on standby can add to your electricity use.
So, switch equipment off fully when it is safe and practical to do so.
Don’t switch off equipment that needs to stay powered for safety, security or another important reason.
Maintain Your Appliances
Simple care can help appliances work properly.
For example:
- clean filters
- keep vents clear
- defrost when needed
- check door seals
- follow the maker’s care instructions
This can also help the appliance last longer.
So, good maintenance can save more than energy alone.
Should You Replace an Old Appliance?
Not always.
A new appliance may use less energy. However, buying it also costs money.
So, before replacing a working appliance just to save energy, compare:
- its current energy use
- the new appliance’s energy use
- how often you use it
- the likely yearly saving
- the purchase price
For example, saving £20 a year on electricity would not quickly cover a £500 purchase made only for that saving.
Of course, you may have other reasons to replace the appliance.
The important point is to know what you are gaining.
Work Out What an Appliance Costs
You can estimate the electricity cost of many appliances if you know:
- its power
- how long you use it
- your electricity unit rate
For a simple appliance:
Power in kW × time in hours = electricity used in kWh
Then:
Electricity used × unit rate = cost
You don’t need to work this out yourself.
Use the Appliance Running Cost Calculator →
Start With the Appliances You Use Most
Don’t worry about every plug in the house.
Instead, start with appliances that:
- use a lot of power
- run for a long time
- are used often
- heat or cool things
Then check whether a small change could reduce their use.
This is usually more useful than worrying about devices that use very little electricity.
Key Points
- Appliances can use very different amounts of energy.
- Power and time both matter. A high-power appliance used briefly may use less energy than a lower-power appliance running for hours.
- Appliances that heat or cool often use more energy, so these are useful ones to check first.
- Check energy labels when buying a new appliance, but look at the stated energy use as well as the rating.
- Choose the right size. A larger appliance may use more energy, so don’t pay to run capacity you do not need.
- Use eco settings where suitable. A longer eco programme can still use less energy.
- Run sensible full loads in washing machines and dishwashers, but don’t overload them.
- Use lower washing temperatures where suitable, as heating water uses energy.
- Think about how often you use your tumble dryer. Air-drying can save energy, but remember that drying clothes indoors adds moisture to your home.
- Look after fridges and freezers. Check door seals, keep vents clear and avoid setting them colder than needed.
- Use the right cooking method for the job. Avoid heating more water, space or equipment than you need.
- Switch off unnecessary standby power when it is safe and practical.
- Maintain your appliances. Clean filters, check seals and follow the maker’s care instructions.
- Don’t replace a working appliance just because a newer one is more efficient. Compare the purchase cost with the energy and money you are likely to save.
- Use the Appliance Running Cost Calculator if you want to estimate what an appliance costs to use.
- Most importantly, focus on the appliances that use the most energy and the changes that will make a useful difference.
Important Information
Energility provides general information to help you understand energy, household and business costs, services and ways to save money. It is not financial, legal, tax, technical or professional advice.
Prices, tariffs, grants, government schemes, regulations and other information can change. Costs, savings and calculator results are estimates and your actual results may be different.
Before making an important financial decision, signing a contract or carrying out significant work, check the latest information and consider getting advice from a suitably qualified professional where needed.
Energility may receive a commission or other benefit from some links or services. Where this applies, we aim to make it clear. This does not increase the price you pay unless stated otherwise.
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