Contrary to the popular idea of not buying new appliances to save money, some households could be spending more, in the long run, using inefficient utilities.The experts say using older models of fridges or washing machines could make you use at least 1000 kilowatt hour of extra energy per year.
Newer models are more energy efficient, something that can be checked by looking at the appliance's efficiency rating. Those with a green rating are the gold standard. Appliances may also have faults present that make them more expensive such as a tear on a fridge's rubber seal. Buying new appliances may cost a lot, to begin with, but older appliances can waste around £300 on energy a year.Of the findings, Les Roberts, business comparison expert at Bionic, said: “An effective energy-saving tip is to look at the appliances you use most, like fridges, washing machines and boilers, and consider their age and condition. If you’re not sure how long you’ve had them, it’s worth digging out receipts or bank statements to check.
“If your appliance has gone over the average lifespan of the product, it may be worth considering upgrading to a more energy-efficient model. Although it’ll come with an initial cost, it should ultimately save you money in the long run.”