Tips for buying a new appliance

Questions you can ask

• What size appliance is right for me?

  Bigger appliances generally use more energy, so you don't want to be paying for capacity or features you won't use. So do your research and ask an assistant who will be able to advise you on what features and capacity will suit you.

• How energy efficient is an appliance when compared to another?

  You can compare the energy efficiency of products by looking at how much energy they are likely to use each year. This information is clearly displayed on the Energy Rating Label as kilowatt hours (kWh).

  See Understand the Energy Rating Label for more information.

  You can also compare similar sized models using the Energy Rating Calculator.

  Tip: choosing an appliance with lower energy consumption will save you money on your electricity bill.

• How much will it cost me to run the appliance for a year?

  While you can use the energy consumption figure on the Energy Rating Label as an estimate, there are a few factors relating to your individual situation that can affect running costs. These include the way you use your appliance, where you live, electricity costs associated with your tariff, and whether you have solar installed.

  If you are after estimated running costs for similar sized appliances visit the Energy Rating Calculator.

  Tip: choosing an appliance with lower energy consumption will save you money on your electricity bill.

• How long do I have to wait for the cycle to complete?

  The Energy Rating Label will soon feature ‘Program Time’ on new labels being phased in for dishwashers, clothes washers and dryers from 2025. This is the time the product takes to complete the specified program used to measure its energy performance.