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Energy saving white goods


One way to save pounds on energy bills is to switch to more energy-efficient home appliances. From fridge freezers to cookers and washing machines, takes a look at how they work and why they're so good.

kitchen appliances

Energy ratings

Refrigerators, washing machines, washer dryers, dishwashers, tumble dryers, electric ovens, air conditioners, lamps and light bulbs are labelled with a compulsory EU Energy Label. This rates products from A (the most efficient) to G (the least efficient). Fridges and freezers have two extra ratings and are labelled from A++ to G.

Energy consumption

Appliances are graded on their energy consumption in kWh (units of energy used per hour). The less kWh used, the more efficient the appliance.

Energy savings

Some products also carry the Energy Saving Recommended label. This rates products on energy efficiency, running costs and carbon emissions. This label is backed by the Energy Saving Trust and is only applied to the most energy-efficient products. These are the best ones to buy.

Washing machines

Washing machines have three ratings – for energy, washing and spinning efficiencies.

Upgrading your washing machine could cut your energy consumption by a third, saving you cash on your annual electricity bills and reduce CO2 emissions.

AAA-rated washing machines use the least amount of electricity, which means clean clothes for less money!

Tumble dryers

Try and use tumble dryer with an A rating, or better still, dry your clothes on a line – it’s the most eco and cost-friendly way to a clean and fresh wardrobe.


Dishwashers are rated on how much energy it takes to clean and dry your dishes. Switching to an energy-saving dishwasher could cut your electricity bills by 40% and reduce your carbon footprint.

If you use metered water, you’ll also save money and water by using less H2O per wash cycle.

But remember, an energy-efficient dishwasher will be inefficient if you only wash one or two dishes at a time. So fill it up before you turn it on.

Fridges and freezers

Fridges and freezers are the only kitchen appliances that stay on 24 hours a day, 7 days a week – that’s a lot of energy, and a lot of money!

By switching to energy-efficient models, you could reduce your electricity bills by over 60%.


Electric ovens are the only cookers with an EU labelling scheme.Neither gas ovens nor microwaves have labels regarding their energy efficiency, although microwaves do have power output labels rated from A to E.

Energy-saving tariffs

Switching to energy-efficient appliances could significantly reduce your household bills. But don’t forget, you could also keep energy costs down by switching to a cheaper energy provider.


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