Appliances And Energy Consumption

What should I be aware of when shopping for new appliances?

When you are shopping for new appliances, be aware that some are much more efficient than others. All new electric appliances should display an energy efficient recommended label explaining to you how much energy it uses. By buying high efficiency appliances, which are rated A, you can keep your bills down to a minimum. For example, an energy efficient dishwasher will cost you about 7p per cycle, while an inefficient model will cost you about 15p per cycle.

Should I use a tumble dryer?

You should avoid using a tumble dryer whenever possible. They're enormous energy consumers. Dry clothes naturally whenever you can, either outside on a line or indoors on a rack. If you have to use a tumble dryer, spin or wring your clothes well before hand. Run loads back to back while the drum is still hot to help save energy, and clean the lint tray regularly to keep the machine running efficiently.

What produces less co2, gas or electric ovens?

A gas oven produces less CO2 than an electric oven because gas produces less carbon dioxide than electricity. If you have an electric oven, make sure you just use it as efficiently as possible.

Should I take a shower or have a bath each day?

Taking a shower is far more efficient than having a bath. A shower uses less hot water than a bath, and if you don't need a long shower you will save even more money. A bath uses about 80 liters, and a 5 minute shower uses about 35 liters of water. But a power shower used for the same amount of time uses 120 liters. You can fit a low flow shower head to reduce your water use even further.

What type of equipment continues to use power even when they are not being used?

Some equipment uses power even when it's not being used. Mobile phone chargers are often left switched on, even when the phone isn't charging. This could be costing you 50p per charger every day. Computers and monitors should be switched off when you're away from them and especially over night. A computer on standby or hibernate mode is still use energy and screen savers certainly aren't saving you any energy.

Should I leave equipment on standby when I am not using them?

You shouldn't leave any equipment on standby when you're not using it. More and more products are using electricity even when they're not turned on. Televisions, mobile phone chargers, computers, stereos - they all have standby mode. Standby mode accounts for an estimated six percent of total household electricity use in the UK, so be sure to turn appliances off at the wall to reduce energy use and save you money.