A pilot study by the University of Surrey examining how appliances are used in the home suggests that ‘green-minded’ consumers can be great at switching off phone chargers at night, which can save a small amount of electricity, but have little idea how to achieve far greater electricity savings by checking energy labels when they buy appliances or changing to a low temperature wash.
“One household in our study saved almost 60% on the energy used in their existing washing machine, just by switching to a low temperature wash, with still great cleaning results” said Professor Matthew Leach of the Centre for Environmental Strategy, who led the study. “Cash and carbon savings from changing behaviour can be added to the savings from using more modern appliances to become something really significant.”
According to the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA), huge improvements in appliance performance now mean that replacing an old fridge freezer can bring the same environmental benefit as installing double-glazing.
“Today’s new fridge freezer uses just half the power of a new model 20 years ago, and a chest freezer about a third”, said Douglas Herbison, Chief Executive of AMDEA. “When you consider that appliances are also generally bigger that is a remarkable result. The problem is that consumers aren’t being encouraged to replace their old appliances through schemes such as the Green Deal, even though the environmental benefits are very significant and changing a fridge freezer is far simpler than, for example, double-glazing your flat.”
In conclusion AMDEA’s Douglas Herbison proposed: “Including major appliances in the Green Deal or a similar scheme has the potential of an all round winner.
"As well as the savings on household bills, and greenhouse gas emissions, this could encourage millions of consumers to upgrade their kitchens” Herbison said “ – providing considerable work for skilled tradesmen and for young people just starting out on their careers.”
Among the key findings of the study were:
The industry body is calling on the Government to work with them to encourage consumers to invest in energy efficient models and use energy saving features – to cut their electricity bills and carbon dioxide emissions. The industry is also concerned that cuts in the budget for energy efficiency education mean that consumers have an unfocused view of how to save money and energy, and so energy efficiency features on modern appliances are going unused.
Further information
Efficient Household Appliances Pilot Study, University of Surrey
