Kitchen and laundry appliances are an essential part of modern life, but their impact on the environment can be significant, and choosing sustainable household appliances matters more than ever.
Choosing an eco-friendly fridge, washing machine or oven is about more than the environment, though. It can also have a positive impact on your household’s water use, energy efficiency and your hip pocket in the long term.
Fortunately, there's a growing trend toward more environmentally friendly appliances that offer a host of benefits to our lives and the planet. This detailed guide breaks the topic down, helping you select high-quality home appliances that suit your needs while offering sustainable solutions.
What is a sustainable household appliance?
Sustainable appliances mean different things to different people. One way to look at sustainability is from an energy and water use perspective, but there’s plenty more to consider in the green appliances stakes.
Does the manufacturer use renewable energy sources or recycled materials in the production of the appliance? Do they have recycling programmes in place for the components of the appliance at the end of its life?
It’s also important to think about how the product will be used in your home, and to select the right appliances for your circumstances.
If you have a large family, a supersized fridge and washing machine may be necessary. Those same appliances used in a small household, though, won’t be as efficient. A half-full fridge works harder to keep your food cool, and a washing machine that’s not fully loaded can use more power and water than necessary.
Truly sustainable home appliances aren’t just efficient up front; they should also perform well for a long time. They’re products which are well-considered by the manufacturer, from initial design right through to the end of their life cycle.
What to look for when choosing sustainable appliances
Modern kitchen and laundry appliances offer numerous advantages that contribute to a greener world, but it gets confusing trying to compare the credentials of different brands.
Here are 4 key areas to consider when you’re looking for environmentally friendly appliances.
Water Savings
Select dishwashers and washing machines which are designed to use less water while still maintaining peak performance. This not only reduces your electricity bills but also minimises the strain on water supplies.
Look for appliances which utilise technology like sensors and scales. These adapt water temperatures and levels according to how much dirt is in the machine, or weigh your clothes to determine water usage.
Some eco friendly appliances include auto dose functions that determine the correct amount of detergent based on your load size, cutting down on both consumable costs and the addition of excess chemicals into our water system.
As well as the technology of the product itself, check the WELS, or Water Rating, on home appliances you’re looking at to determine ones with the highest levels of water efficiency.
Bosch has made significant strides in water-saving technology. Their dishwashers feature advanced sensors to optimize water usage, ensuring that only the necessary amount is used for each cycle.
Energy Efficiency
Energy-efficient appliances help reduce your household’s carbon footprint and save money on power bills. Modern eco-friendly fridges, ovens and cooktops are designed to use less energy while maintaining high-performance levels.
Look for fridges with multi-zone cooling to optimise the freshness of your food for longer, and ovens which don’t require preheating or that have eco-functions to cut down on power consumption when cooking.
When it comes to cooktops, consider induction technology as an efficient and fast means of cooking. Induction reduces energy consumption by heating just the pot you’re using, rather than a larger area around it.
Opt for appliances with high Energy Star ratings; these are certified to meet strict efficiency standards.
Overall Environmental Impact
While water and power savings are important, also consider the entire life cycle of a product when evaluating its environmental impact. Support brands who are using more eco-friendly and recycled materials, as well as responsible manufacturing processes.
Choosing appliances with a good reputation for longevity lessens the overall impact of your purchase. The longer you’re able to keep and use an appliance, the less waste ends up back in the environment.
Hidden Benefits
Some appliances offer benefits to the environment that might not be immediately obvious. A number of these small improvements to your eco footprint can have a big impact over time.
Installing a chilled water system has an up front cost, but it could significantly reduce the amount of bottled water your household buys. A quality coffee machine means less takeaway coffee cups and less money spent on your daily fix. And a combi steam oven means not only faster, more energy-efficient cooking, but also leftovers that taste freshly cooked so you’re more likely to eat them.
By selecting eco friendly and sustainable home appliances that save water, energy, and reduce your carbon footprint, you’ll not only contribute to a greener planet but also enjoy long-term financial benefits.
At Hart and Co, we look forward to helping you embrace this green revolution in your home for a brighter and more sustainable future. Visit us in store or give our experienced staff a call to find out more about our sustainable kitchen and laundry solutions.
