Finding Your Next Energy Efficient Appliance……
Finding Energy Efficient Appliances Should Be Easy…
It is now easier than ever to find yourself and energy-efficient electrical appliance without compromising on quality or service.
Basically, manufacturers these days are trying to improve the energy efficiency of their electrical items to win your purchase. In Europe there is now the ‘Energy Rating Scheme’ (EU energy ratings from A (most energy efficient) through to G (least energy efficient)and that this is displayed on their and their competitors appliances. And in the US there is the Energy Star rating system doing the same thing.
Needless to say, many manufacturers want you to buy their products - and so they need to make sure that theirs matches up or betters the competition!! All good for the environment and the consumers pocket.
How To Get It Right:
Below are 4 simple steps to make sure that you are getting the best in terms of energy efficiency in your new appliances. They include just the basics - as obviously there are performance and branding issues that are specific to each household - as well as different budgets.
You also need to be aware that more energy efficient models are not necessarily better at washing your clothes or not breaking down all the time! The energy rating schemes only cover energy requirements - not the machines themselves - so you still need to research the products before purchase and read reviews or speak to the sales person in your store or on-line.
1) Research your products in advance.
Make sure that you have decided exactly what you need out of the appliance, for simplicities sake - a toaster that does 4 slices at a time or a dishwasher to fit in a small space in you kitchen, etc.
Once you have narrowed down your options, take a look at customer reviews to check usability and to line it up with your budget. Don’t forget that the price you pay will not always reflect what you get for your money and buying the cheaper model may cost you more in repairs than the slightly more expensive version that has a longer working life.
2) Look for the Energy Saving Logo/the Energy Star.
By checking which of your short-list have been labelled as more energy-efficient can help you make the right choice in terms of reduced running costs for yourself.
Buying a lower rated item in the EU (D-G) may well mean you end up using more electricity per wash - theoretically making the machine/appliance ‘cost more’ over the year:
Cost of Item + cost to run per year + cost of any repairs = actual cost of item to you.
Energy Ratings are now available on many appliances including TV’s, set top boxes, heating equipment and fridges - plus many more. Some items have more than 1 ’score’ in the EU so make sure you check each one.
3) Ask In Store.
As more and more consumers are wanting to know about ways to reduce their energy costs - retailers are better informed of their options. Staff take training in this area to make sure that they are advising you on the best product for your requirements.
They should be able to explain how the energy rating systems work in your country and for every appliance you are interested in. They should also know how to find out and compare details on all their models - for example showing which perform best on standby and whether certain items come with energy saving features like automatic ’sleep mode’. Up to 8% of UK TV energy is wasted while on standby!
If you have done your research before you arrive in the store, then you won’t be overwhelmed by the choices available when you get to the shelves - try not to be swayed by appearance if you are serious about energy saving. Wanting that pink version that is D-rated is only a passing phase!!!!
4) Consider Doubling up!
Integrated appliances are the way forward with energy-saving. For example buying a TV with built in digital receiver - only buying 1 product rather than 2. Fridge-freezers and washer-Driers do the same.
- Less raw materials to create - it’s all in one casing
- Less packaging - only one item instead of 2 or more
- Less transport - only 1 item to get to the store/your home
- Less products in total - less plugs and cabling needed
- Less electricity when on standby - only one power source
You may already have the second appliance - but when it is no longer required or breaks down - you then don’t need to replace it!
I hope that these few steps have been useful, and there will be more about appliances coming soon to help you make the better choices for the environment!
PS - cut down on games console usage if you can - they use loads of energy to run! A well used console can add around £160 EXTRA onto your electricity bill!!!
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