How To Save Energy When Using Home Appliances

Cutting down on energy use isn’t just good for your wallet – it’s also one of the most effective ways to reduce your environmental impact at home. The good news? You don’t need to overhaul your entire lifestyle to see a difference. With a few simple changes to how you use your household appliances, you can make a real impact.

In this guide, we’ll explore practical ways to save energy every day, without compromising on convenience.

Start with energy-efficient appliances

If you're buying a new appliance, energy ratings can tell you a lot. The UK’s energy label runs from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with many modern Hoover appliances designed to meet or exceed E ratings as standard.

Upgrading from an older model to an energy-efficient one can significantly reduce your energy consumption. A new fridge freezer, for example, can use up to 40% less energy than one that’s ten years old.

Saving energy with washing machines and tumble dryers

Washing machines account for a decent portion of your household’s electricity use, but small changes in how you use them can go a long way:

• Wash at 30°C where possible – it uses less energy and still gets most everyday loads clean.
• Wait until you have a full load, or use a half-load function if your model includes one.
• Choose eco cycles over quick washes. While they take longer, they use less water and energy.

When it comes to tumble dryers:

• Use a high spin speed on your washing machine to reduce drying time.
• Clean the lint filter after every load to help your dryer run efficiently.
• Where possible, use a heat pump dryer – they’re up to 50% more energy efficient than conventional condenser dryers.

Saving energy with fridge freezers

Your fridge freezer runs 24/7, so even small tweaks can make a big difference:

• Keep it around 5°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer – colder doesn’t mean better.
• Let food cool before placing it in the fridge to avoid raising the internal temperature.
• Don’t overfill – air needs to circulate for the appliance to run efficiently.
• Defrost your freezer regularly unless it’s frost-free.

Modern Hoover fridge freezers also include inverter compressors and other features that help reduce energy use automatically.

Saving energy with dishwashers

Using a dishwasher can actually be more efficient than washing by hand – especially if you follow a few simple tips:

• Only run it when it’s full, or use the half-load function if available.
• Skip the pre-rinse. Today’s dishwashers are powerful enough to handle most messes without it.
• Use eco modes to cut energy and water use.
• Let dishes air dry by opening the door slightly after the cycle ends, rather than using heated drying. 

Saving energy with ovens and hobs

Cooking uses less energy than other major appliances, but it’s still worth keeping efficiency in mind:

• Use the right-sized pan for the burner to prevent heat loss.
• Keep oven doors closed during cooking and avoid over-preheating.
• Batch cook meals and reheat portions in the microwave – it’s much more energy efficient.

Induction hobs are a particularly efficient choice. They heat the pan directly rather than the surface, making them quicker and more precise. 

Saving energy with vacuum cleaners and small appliances

Hoover’s energy-efficient vacuums are designed to deliver powerful suction without excessive energy use. To get the most out of your vacuum:

• Make sure to empty the dust container frequently to maintain suction power, and take a moment to check for any blockages in the hose or filters that could reduce efficiency.
• Select the correct attachments for different surfaces and tasks – this helps clean more efficiently and reduces the need to vacuum the same spot repeatedly.
• Opt for a cordless vacuum with variable power modes so you can adjust the suction to suit each job and conserve energy where possible.

For other small appliances:

• Turn off small appliances at the plug when not in use, or unplug them entirely to avoid standby energy drain.
• When using the kettle, measure out only the amount of water you need – this reduces boiling time and energy waste.
• Choose quicker-cooking appliances like microwaves or air fryers for small meals or reheating – they generally use less energy than conventional ovens.

Smarter habits for long-term savings

Alongside the tips above, there are a few more everyday habits you can adopt to reduce your energy usage and save money over time:

• Switch to LED bulbs throughout the house.
• Avoid leaving appliances on standby. Use plug socket timers or smart plugs to manage this automatically.
• Use energy usage tracking (available through the hOn app for selected Hoover appliances) to identify your top energy users and make informed choices.

At Hoover, our appliances are designed with energy performance in mind – from A-rated dishwashers to low-consumption fridge freezers and intelligent washing machines.

By upgrading to a more efficient model and adjusting how you use your appliances, you can make a meaningful difference – for your household and the planet.

Explore our full range today, including our appliance sale, to find energy-saving solutions for every room in your home.