At a time when rising energy costs and climate change are both such high priority issues, choosing energy-efficient appliances has never been more crucial.

If you’re a homeowner or a renter in the UK, you have the power to make a significant impact on both your utility bills and your carbon footprint.

This guide will walk you through the process of selecting the most energy-efficient appliances for your home, helping you contribute to a greener future while saving money in the long run.

At Terraverde, we believe every small action counts in the fight against climate change, and energy efficiency must be an essential part of how the UK as a country can reduce its carbon emissions.

With that in mind, let’s dive into the world of energy-efficient appliances and discover how you can make informed choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet.

1 – Understanding energy labels

The first step in choosing energy-efficient appliances is understanding the UK’s energy labelling system. The system provides a clear and standardised way to compare the energy efficiency of different appliances.

The energy rating scale in the UK runs from A to G, with A marking out the most efficient of appliances, and G being found on the very least efficient of items.

However, the A to G scale was only introduced in 2021, so older appliances may still be rated on a system that runs from A+++ to G.

Clearly, the better the rating of your appliance on this scale, the better placed you’ll be to keep your energy usage down. Remember that even seemingly small differences can add up to significant savings and carbon reduction benefits over time.

2 – Prioritising high-impact appliances

Not all domestic appliances are created equal when it comes to energy efficiency. Generally, the larger and most-used items are responsible for a greater share of energy consumption, so it is most important to consider their efficiency ratings.

For most households, the high impact appliances will be:

• Fridges and freezers
• Washing machines
• Tumble dryers
• Dishwashers

Fridges and freezers, for example, typically run 24 hours a day and so they’ll account for up to 15 per cent of your overall electricity use. New models sometimes have holiday modes or adaptive defrost options to save energy.

As a consumer, it is well worth seeking out appliances that have good energy efficiency ratings and new energy-saving design features which are increasingly being integrated into these technologies.

3 – Looking at lifetime costs

Energy saving iterations of household appliances may cost more to buy than less-efficient alternatives. However, as a consumer it’s crucial to consider the cost to run those appliances and to think about how much you might spend over the lifespan of any such item.

More efficient appliances use less energy and cost less money to run. So, if you expect to use an item for several years, or up to a decade, then the cost savings over that timeframe can be very significant, even if your initial expenditure is higher.

4 – Size and capacity considerations

It can be very important from an energy efficiency perspective to make sure you’re using an appliance that is the right size for your needs.

Some appliances are designed to meet the needs of large families, while others are smaller and less energy consumptive, and are better for people living in a household with one or just a few people.

5 – Smart and connected appliances

Smart technology is increasingly being integrated into everyday household appliances, with greater energy efficiency typically among the primary purposes of using those innovations.

Connected and smart appliances can be controlled via smartphone and monitored from anywhere, which can help ensure that you’re not using them when you don’t need to.

Smart meters built into appliances can also tie-in their usage with off-peak times for energy use and save their users money, while adaptive learning technology can optimise energy consumption based on usage patterns.

6 – Installation issues

Even the most energy-efficient appliance will not perform optimally if it’s not installed and used correctly. So it is generally best to have a professional install any new appliance you’re likely to rely on in your home.

Heat generating appliances need good ventilation and proper installation is often a prerequisite for energy efficient performance of any major household appliance.

7 – Government incentives and schemes

The UK government offers various incentives and schemes to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient appliances.

They include the Energy Company Obligation (ECO), which provides support for low-income households to improve their energy efficiency.

The Green Homes Grant scheme has previously offered vouchers to help people make their homes more efficient. That scheme has been paused currently but similar initiatives are expected in future.

In conclusion

Choosing the right household appliances for your needs has come into particularly sharp focus in recent years as energy bills have skyrocketed.

For renters and homeowners alike, reducing energy use has never been more fundamentally important for cost-related reasons but also because we all need to cut our energy use to reduce collective carbon emissions and combat climate change.

Get involved with Terraverde

If you are ready to make a difference, start by assessing your current appliances and identifying opportunities for energy-efficient upgrades. And remember, every small action counts in the fight against climate change.

If you’re inspired to do more, consider supporting Terraverde’s mission to tackle climate disruption and its effects. By donating to us, you’re supporting high-impact projects that are working towards a greener, fairer future for all.

Visit our website to learn more about how you can get involved and make a lasting impact on our planet’s future.