When buying a new appliance it is important to buy the most energy efficient you can. Fridges and freezers can have a lifespan of 17-years so 24-hours per day, every day for 17-years is a lot of electricity.

The energy rating labels (opens in a new window) were updated in 2020 because appliances were getting more efficient. It is important to check the information on the label as there are different categories for things like small fridges/freezers and large fridges and freezers.

Using appliances efficiently

Avoid leaving appliances on standby. A typical household spends £60 per year on appliances on standby. 

Fridges and freezers use about 13% of your households energy. Place them away from heat and sunlight and keep the coils free of dust.

Only fill the kettle with the water you need and de-scale it regularly.

Wash clothes at 20°C and use the right cycle. Avoiding tumble driers and air-drying clothes instead will save money.

Set dishwashers to ‘eco’ and only run them when they are full.

Changing how you cook can save you money. The amount that cooking costs will alter depending on what you’re cooking, how you’re cooking it and how many you are cooking for.

Visit the Energy Saving Trust website (opens in a new window) to find out what appliances use the most electricity.
 
Energy appliance costs

You can see how much running certain appliances costs over on the Centre for Sustainable Energy website (opens in a new window).