Tips on purchasing energy-efficient appliances

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Many new washing machines on the market have new features such as allowing cool washes to be as efficient as warm washes, and some adjust the water consumption according to the load.

Energy efficient fridges have improved cooling performance with new technology which automatically adjusts the digital inverter compressor in response to cooling demands. This means that when a door is opened, the temperature remains static and the fridge does not need to use more electricity to cool down again.

Some top-end fridges have double inside doors so the items that are used most frequently during the day, such as milk and cold drinks, are placed on the front door shelves. This means you can access these regular items without having to open the entire fridge, thereby avoiding the need for the fridge to re-cool.

Air conditioners

New 'green' air conditioners also have various energy-efficient features such as digital inverters similar to those used in the fridges, and, as a result, the desired temperature is maintained with more efficiency without frequently having to shut it off and on, whilst still ensuring the desired temperature is maintained.

Most television manufacturers are now using a mercury and lead-free option. This means a television set is recyclable at the end of its lifespan. Further advanced technology in using LED lights means the latest models mostly have a very good energy rating of between A and A+++. So, besides saving energy, these products can be properly disposed of without causing harm to the environment.

Cell phone users also contribute to saving energy. Most people leave their phones on charge for many unnecessary hours, and when they remove the phone from the charger, they leave the charger in the socket, which still consumes energy. New chargers automatically switch off once the phone is charged to full capacity. However, the charger should then be removed from the wall socket to save further energy.

Choosing an appliance:

• Do your homework online before shopping and be sure to ask the sales assistant for guidance so that you can make an informed decision based on your budget and your individual needs.
  
• The 49M label - many suppliers carry this label on their energy-efficient appliances. This includes an information label on the appliance packaging, offering handy energy-saving tips relevant to the specific appliance category.
  
• The EnergyGuide - all new appliances must carry this EnergyGuide label on the packaging. The label allows purchasers to compare the typical annual energy consumption and operating costs of different models of any type of appliance so that customers can see the benefits for themselves.