Energy-efficiency: How to use label savvy to cut costs

All you need to know about optimising white goods and other energy-rated home appliances including heaters 

When choosing appliances, compare like with like before drilling down on energy usage. File pictures

Energy labels: When doing comparison shopping we use them at a glance to judge the energy efficiency of a range of similarly sized appliances and products. Based on a bald letter rating or a kWh/annum number, will performance expectations really be met when you flip off the Styrofoam and press it into service? The energy label is just part of the story.

It’s vital to pick both the size of product and the most relevant features to optimise energy-efficiency and save money. Here I’ll drill down on large white goods (washers, dishwashers and dryers) but there are ten divisions of products that are energy rated including boilers, electric showers, televisions, ventilation units, space heaters and more.