The new European Energy label, introduced in June 2021, becomes mandatory from December 2021. It has four ‘A’ categories, with dark-green A*** being the most energy efficient and red the least efficient.

The biggest users of electricity around the home are white goods – the tumble dryer, the refrigerator and the washing machine. New fridge freezers – provided that they are not American-style – can save up to 50 per cent of the energy use of old machines. Look out for energy labels, and buy an A, A*, A** or A*** rated appliance.

The next greediest device is the television. Generally, power consumption increases with the size of screen, but otherwise there are variations depending on the model and type of screen – whether it is a light-emitting diode (LED), a liquid crystal display (LCD) or plasma flat-screen TV.

Beware of standby, and look out for appliances with low consumption of electricity on standby – there are enormous variations. For example a DVD recorder can use a tenth of the electricity on standby than when it is in use. So if you use your machine 2 hours a day, it may be consuming more electricity on standby than in use. Digital set-top boxes can add around 2% to the electricity consumption of the typical home. Buy one with a low standby power consumption and turn it off at all times when not in use.

European Energy Label (see above)

This is compulsory on fridges and freezers, washing machines, tumble-dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, electric ovens, lightbulbs, and (from December 2021) televisions. In future other products will also carry this label, including boilers and vacuum cleaners.

Energy Saving Trust Recommended

Items that carry the Energy Saving Trust Recommended label meet stringent energy performance criteria. The scheme is voluntary, but covers a wide range of products, including not only appliances such as fridges, washing machines and freezers, but also computers, radios, TVs, glazing systems, heating equipment, insulation, and lighting. Search for EST ‘recommended’ products on their website.

Energy Star

This is a voluntary scheme run by the EU for computers, monitors, printers, and other office equipment that reaches certain energy efficiency standards. See the EU Energy Star database for more details.

See top tips for more information on saving energy with household applicances.