Are you looking for a kitchen appliance? My post-Brexit advice is now to compare the amount of kiloWatt hours (kWh) of electricity the appliance is predicted to use in a year. Not the energy rating (A-G), as you might have done previously.
Why is this?
It’s to do with Brexit and the UK’s antiquated electricity distribution system.
The electricity that comes into your house is 240 volts. But none of the appliances in a modern house need 240 volts. They typically run at 220 volts.
So that is quite a bit of electricity going to waste.
Since we left the European Union, that waste is now reflected on the energy label of appliances. So something that used to be A-rated, might now only be E-rated, as I found recently when shopping for a new washing machine.
So it’s best to compare appliances by predicted kWh use in an average year. So fridge-freezer A might use 60 kWh, whereas fridge-freezer B might use 70 kWh. You can compare water use on washing machines and dishwashers too.
If you’re a householder then there’s not much you can do about the fact that your electricity supply is 240 volts. But there are still a myriad of ways you can save energy in the home.
Whereas if you’re a business, it might be worthwhile fitting a voltage optimiser. This is a transformer that reduces the voltage from 240 volts to 220.
If you’re a householder, business or public body than needs advice on reducing your greenhouse gas emissions, then check out my expert advice packages.
