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Appliance energy labels and replacement savings

The energy label tells you how much electricity an appliance uses in a standard test. Multiply it by your unit rate for a running cost, and compare models before you buy.

Updated 3 October 2026 · energy.org.uk editorial team

How the label works

Since March 2021, labels for fridges and freezers, washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers and TVs use a rescaled A to G scale, replacing A+, A++ and A+++. A product rated A+++ on the old scale may be C or D on the new one without using more energy. Tumble dryers are moving to the new style of label later.

Reading the energy figure

  • Fridges and freezers: kWh a year (kWh/annum).
  • Washing machines and dishwashers: kWh per 100 cycles on the eco programme. Divide by 100 for one cycle.
  • Older tumble dryer labels: kWh a year, based on a set number of cycles in the test.

To get a yearly cost, multiply the kWh a year by your unit rate. For per-100-cycle figures, work out a year from how many cycles you run. The appliance replacement calculator does this for you.

Does replacing an appliance pay?

Usually only when the old one uses a lot more energy. For example, replacing a fridge-freezer that uses 400 kWh a year with one that uses 150 kWh saves 250 kWh: about £62 a year at 25p per kWh. A price of £500 would take about eight years to pay back. If the old appliance has broken, the question is different: compare new models on their price and their yearly running cost together.

Check

What to check first

  • The old appliance's energy use, from its label, manual or a plug-in energy meter. Age alone does not tell you.
  • The rating and kWh figure of the new model, not just the letter.
  • Size. A larger appliance can have a better rating but still use more electricity.

Do

Practical next steps

  1. Find the kWh figures for your old and new appliance.
  2. Enter them in the appliance replacement calculator.
  3. Keep a working appliance unless the saving pays back its price in a reasonable time.
  4. When buying, choose the size you need, then the lowest kWh figure.

Take care

Important limitations

  • Label figures come from standard tests; real use varies with settings, loads and room temperature.
  • Old labels used a different scale, so compare kWh figures rather than letters.
  • Making a new appliance also has an environmental cost, which is another reason to keep a working one.

Related tools and guides

Sources

Official sources checked 3 October 2026.