Be energy efficient

If you're shopping for a new dishwasher, TV, boiler or even just light bulbs, always look for the Energy Saving Recommended logo and the EU energy label which rates products for energy efficiency from A (best) to G (worst).

It's your guarantee that these products are the most energy efficient in their category, will cost less to run and help prevent climate change. Really efficient models are labelled A+ or even A++. The EU energy label will also tell you how much water appliances use. Find out more about Energy Saving recommended products.

Using electrical appliances

• Switch off: Do not leave TVs, DVD players and other appliances on standby. Most electronic goods cannot be switched off using the remote control alone and will continue to use energy in standby mode. To save energy switch these appliances off at the set or plug (not by using the remote control) and avoid buying electronic goods that do not have an easily accessible off switch.
• Unplug chargers: Do not leave appliances on charge unnecessarily. Any electronic good with a charger or external power pack (adaptor) will continue to use energy even when the appliance is switched off or disconnected unless unplugged or turned off at the plug. You can tell because the charger of power pack stays warm or may have a light on.
• Turn to 30: Wash your laundry at 30°C, in full loads and dry clothes naturally. A full load uses much less water and electricity than two half-load cycles (this applies to dishwashers as well). Go to Which? website and find out which are the most efficient models.
• Calculate how much it costs to run your TV: Did you know running a TV can cost between £4 and £82 per year? Go to Which? website and find out which are the most efficient models.
• Defrost your fridge and freezer for best efficiency: If buying a new one, aim for an A+ or A++ energy rating. Go to Which? website and find out which are the most efficient models.
• See the Which? website for further reviews about energy saving products.

Energy saving light bulbs

Just one energy saving light bulb can save you £60 over the lifetime of the bulb. They last up to 12 times longer than ordinary light bulbs and the energy saved in the first year alone will pay for the new bulb(s). Most energy saving light bulbs use between one fifth and one quarter of the power of a regular light bulb. Energy saving light bulbs come in a whole range of styles to suit a variety of fittings. Remember: the wattage of a bulb tells you how much power it uses – not how much light it produces. An energy saving bulb will only use 20 watts of power to create the same light as a standard 100 watt bulb.

At the end of their life energy saving light bulbs can be returned to the household waste and recycling centre at Townmead Road, Kew, for safe disposal.