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It is estimated that around one fifth of the UK's total domestic energy consumption is linked to fridges and freezers. It's therefore easy to understand that when it comes to buying a new kitchen appliance, you need to choose very carefully.
Fridges and freezers are on the go all day, every day, which is why it is critically important to consider how energy efficient your model is. Having an appliance that is as efficient as possible will help reduce your household's carbon footprint and also save you money on your electricity bills.
According to UK-based environmental body the Energy Saving Trust, if everyone in Britain had Energy Saving Recommended fridges and freezers, we could slash our energy use and see combined savings of around £700m. In addition we would be able to reduce our carbon emissions significantly.
Absurdly, the country could save even more money, an estimated £875m, by turning off household appliances when they are not in use, rather than leaving them on standby and unnecessarily wasting electricity. Surveys have shown people in the UK spend more on electrical products than any other nation in Europe - around £12bn a year on everything from large screen televisions to washing machines and sound systems. By making informed choices about which products we buy, we can make a real difference.
But how do you know which household appliances are energy efficient? White goods such as fridges and freezers now come with their energy rating clearly labelled on the front so it is simple for consumers to work out what effect their new product will have on the environment. The European system has seven categories marked A++ to G, with A++ representing the greatest energy efficiency and G the least.
Look for the Energy Saving Recommended label and you can rest assured that your fridge or freezer will be doing its bit for the environment. By choosing an appliance with this mark, you can use up to 60 per cent less energy than a typical older appliance, which can result in saving for your pocket and the planet.