Lighten the load
Technology has advanced dramatically in the last decade, but in the UK we are still using 15.4 million outdated fridges, freezers and washing machines. These appliances are ten or more years old and waste needless amounts of energy, water and money. New energy efficient models can halve the use of these resources, so it's worth catching up with technology and investing in all that it offers.
Replace the guzzler in the kitchen
After heating, fridges and freezers are the biggest energy spenders in our homes. Running constantly they cost us £1.5 billion in electricity each year. Changing to an energy efficient model can make a big difference, saving up to £40 a year and cutting your home's carbon dioxide emissions by over 200 kg.
New models will all be labelled A++, A+ or A based on their energy efficiency rating. It is well worth looking for at least an A+ model as it will be much cheaper to run. A freezer bought before 1995 could be anything up to a G rating, with no limit on how much energy it's using. A new fridge freezer will be easier on your wallet and better for the environment. It will also do a much better job, keeping food fresher for longer.
Clean up washing waste
The best performing washing machines currently carry AAA energy labels. Replacing a machine that is ten or more years old with a new model would mean that you could achieve better results using at least a third less water, as well as less electricity and detergent.
Many older machines do not feature the cooler 30ºC wash cycle which is not so energy hungry and offers the highest savings.
Change for the better
In the last decade manufacturers have invested a massive £6.6 billion to develop environmentally friendly technology. But we cannot reap the benefits of these advances unless we commit to change.
Use our handy 'Savings Calculator'
AMDEA is the UK trade association for the manufacturers of small and large domestic appliances. It represents over 80% of the domestic appliance industry. Members are all manufacturers, importers or distributors of household appliances and include most of the UK's top selling brands of major white goods. In addition to fridges, freezers, washing machines, laundry dryers and dishwashers, members' products also include cooking, heating, water-heating, floor-care, waste-disposal and ventilation equipment.
Time to Change is the UK segment of a pan-European initiative to help tackle climate change by encouraging the upgrade of 188 million old appliances, still in use in homes across Europe, to modern energy efficient models.
Organisations:
retra is the UK's leading trade association for independent electrical retailers and servicing organisations. They represent more than 1,400 members, operating from over 2,300 outlets in the UK. Their members include electrical retailers, service engineers, custom installers, computer stores and electronic music shops.
Severn Wye Energy Agency Limited (SWEA) is a non-profit company and registered educational charity. It aims to promote sustainable energy and affordable warmth through partnership, awareness-raising, innovation and strategic action. SWEA is active in the South West of England and Wales.
Trade:
www.kitchensfitted.co.uk is operated by T Foley Interiors, providing a free kitchen information guide for homeowners. Their Eco ImperativeÊdrive promotes kitchen innovations that save resources.
Brands:
AEG:
www.aeg-electrolux.co.uk/node163.asp
Beko:
www.beko.co.uk
Bosch:
www.boschappliances.co.uk/boschuk2007/en/home
Candy:
www.candy-domestic.co.uk
Crosslee:
www.crosslee.co.uk
Electrolux:
www.electrolux.co.uk/node58.aspx
www.electrolux.com/sustainability
FagorBrandt:
www.fagorbrandt.com/en/groupe/creation.html
Franke:
www.franke.co.uk
Hoover:
www.hoover.co.uk/docs/environment/
Hotpoint:
www.hotpoint.co.uk
Indesit:
www.indesit.co.uk
LEC Refrigeration:
www.lec.co.uk
Miele:
www.Miele.co.uk
Siemens:
www.siemensappliances.co.uk
Smeg:
www.smeguk.com
Whirlpool:
www.whirlpool.co.uk
Zanussi:
www.zanussi-electrolux.co.uk/node93.aspx
