November 2021
It is no longer possible to imagine our households without electronic devices. Ovens, fridges, and laptops are only the most popular ones. But how do we recognise sustainable appliances, when is it sustainable to buy a new appliance, and what is the EU energy label? Here you will find helpful answers to your burning questions.
Before purchasing a new appliance
We have compiled some tips for you to help you find out what energy-efficient appliance best fits your needs.
Size matters? Avoid upgrading to bigger products or those with features you may never use.
Look for additional energy-saving settings. Some home appliances on the market are designed with extra features that allow you to adjust the temperature, the water level or cycle time to push your consumption and, thus your monthly bill further down!
Consider the second price tag. The most energy-efficient appliances are often more expensive than lower-rated appliances. Don’t be put off by the price tag, but by the reduction in your energy consumption ( and a lower energy bill!).
CHOOSING HOME APPLIANCES FOR BEST ENERGY CONSUMPTION
Household appliances can account for around 30% of energy use at home, so opt for an energy-efficient model!
IS YOUR APPLIANCE NOT WORKING? SHOULD I REPAIR OR REPLACE IT?
The 50/50 rule is a good rule of thumb when something goes wrong with any of your appliances. If the appliance is more than halfway through its lifespan and if the cost of a repair is more than 50 per cent of the cost for the acquisition of a new appliance, replace your appliance instead of repairing it.
OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER
Is your appliance still under warranty?
How often have you encountered trouble with your appliance in the past months/ years?
IS IT BETTER TO SWAP OUT OLD APPLIANCES FOR MORE ENERGY-EFFICIENT ONES?
Newer appliances are designed to be more efficient than older ones. However, if your washing machine is humming alone, there is no urgent need to replace it; instead, get started by applying our tips on Handling Your Home Appliances Smart → .
Replacing an appliance with a more efficient model won’t make much difference in cutting down your monthly bill if an appliance does not use much energy. Just consider a fridge’s impact versus a toaster’s impact.
Continue using things for as long as possible before replacing them. This ensures that over the long run, fewer resources are consumed, and less waste is generated, manufacturing new items.
Have you ever heard about the 5-10-15 rule? Here is how this rule works…
5 years old - do not replace
10 years old - run the numbers
15 years old - an appropriate time to consider a replacement
Considering the average lifespan of a typical appliance has proven to be a good reference point as well. Here is a list of estimates for the main home appliances:
Dishwasher: 9-11 years
Microwave: 9 years
Washer: 10-11 years
Freezer: 11-12 years
Dryer: 13 years
Refrigerator: 13 years
Keep in mind that the lifespan of household appliances varies based on the usage (how often you use it) and maintenance (how well you maintain it). Consider the replacement option if the appliance is over its average lifespan.
REPLACING YOUR APPLIANCES
Before heading out to the store, consider the following tips first to make your shopping trip sustainable and valuable.
Prioritize. If you want to buy new appliances, start by determining which of your current appliances consumes the most energy. From there, determine which of those appliances you could upgrade for the biggest gain in efficiency and the most significant monthly utility savings.
Check out the energy label. Every appliance comes with two price tags: the purchase price and the cost of operating the product. It is crucial not to underestimate the future running cost of your appliance.
Recycle. Part of buying a new appliance is figuring out what to do with your old and unwanted appliances. When you buy a new appliance from a retailer, they should be able to take your old model away. Ask retailers if they participate in an appliance take-back program. If they do, ask whether the appliances they take back are recycled. If not, bring the appliance to a recycling station. Check out the chapter Disposing Of Home Appliances → for more concrete tips.
THE EU ENERGY LABLE
When shopping for a new appliance, watch out for the EU Energy lable.
The EU energy lable gives EU consumers a simple indication of the energy efficiency of appliances sold on the European market.
The lable shows a scale, ranging from A (best energy performance) to G (worst energy performance). Always opt for the highest possible energy mark A.
THE AFTERLIFE OF YOUR UNWANTED APPLIANCES
As a considerate consumer, it is crucial to do your best to find a way to get rid of your old appliance without harming the environment. Depending on the condition of your appliance, here is what you can consider:
Fix and Sell
If you have DIY skills, use them and try to repair any broken parts of your appliance. Once (almost) brand new, you will be able to either sell it or give it away to people in need! Try to be as transparent as possible regarding the condition of your unwanted appliance.
Donate
Giving away your old appliance to a charity can be a valuable option if the latter is in relatively good working condition. By doing so, you give a hand to people in need, it's a win-win solution.
Dispose off & Recycle
As a general rule, any device that has an electronic component is an electrical appliance - including flashing trainers and bathroom cabinets with a lamp.
Can I dispose of my home appliance in the household bin?
Any electrical device needs to be disposed of in a recycling station. Check the symbol of the crossed-out dustbin on the package. If there is such a symbol, you must bring your device to the recycling station.
Where to hand in my broken/ old appliances?
Hand in your old appliances free of charge at municipal recycling collection points. Search for drop-off points on the website of your city or district.
Some environmental organisations also offer overviews of where appliances can be handed in. In Germany, for example, the "Stiftung Elektroaltgeräte" has published a list of such drop-off points
Or return devices to dealers and manufacturers. Manufacturers, dealers and online sellers are obliged to take back your old device free of charge, as long as your device has an edge length of fewer than 25 centimetres. Larger devices can be handed in when purchasing a new device.
Why does an electrical device need to go into the recycling station?
Electronic and electrical appliances contain valuable and rare resources such as gold and metals. And, older models in particular, contain toxic substances and pollutants, such as lead, mercury and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) which require professional handling to not be released into the environment.
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