Purchasing energy efficient appliances can have both environmental and economic benefits, the Energy Savings Trust (EST) has commented.

According to the group, average annual household carbon emissions exceed the fumes created by a car over the same period. The group has noted that by opting for appliances that consume less electricity, homeowners can make a substantial positive difference to the environment. Furthermore, with utility costs expected to rise still further in the coming months, opting for energy efficient models could prove a prudential financial decision as well.

Commenting recently, Adrian Arnold, head of trade marketing at the non-profit body said if everyone in the UK switched to the most environmentally friendly models for all home appliances, a collective saving of more than one billion pounds could be made on domestic energy bills. This equates to a carbon emissions reduction totalling 4.5 million tonnes; enough to fill 24 million double-decker buses.

Furthermore, if everyone with gas central heating switched to a new condensing boiler, carbon emissions could be reduced by as much as 12 million tonnes, equating to the annual amount produced by more than two million homes.

He informed consumers that low-energy alternatives are now available for almost all household appliances and the majority can lead to a significant reduction in the amount of energy that is used.

Those looking to invest in the future by upgrading home appliances such as washing machines, boilers and dishwashers, taking out a secured loan may enable people to meet the upgrade costs quickly and allow them to start cutting back on their energy expenditure before the winter weather takes hold.

Mr Arnold explained: “An energy efficient dishwasher uses around 40 per cent less energy than an old, inefficient model and an energy efficient washing machine uses a third less energy than an old, inefficient model and cuts water consumption considerably … When purchasing new products for their home, consumers should definitely look for the most energy efficient in class. To pick out energy efficient products from the pack, look out for the Energy Saving Recommended logo. The distinctive blue logo can be found on anything from fridges to tumble dryers, to dishwashers and light bulbs.”

He concluded by stating that in order for an appliance to carry the label, the strictest energy efficiency criteria must be met. As such, he suggested that in buying a product endorsed by the EST, consumers can rest assured that the product is guaranteed to deliver lower energy consumption levels. The testing standards are placed under annual review and are assessed by an independent panel to ensure that only the greenest appliances can be sold with the EST recommendation.

Choosing greener products may become an increasingly attractive option for consumers in the coming months, with widespread reports of future energy price hikes scheduled for the future. BBC business correspondent Nils Blythe has suggested that announcements of hikes of up to 40 per cent are likely to come in August, when energy expenditure will not be at the forefront of people’s minds.

In an effort to reduce the effect that energy bills have on household budgets, the Department for Environmental, Food and Rural Affairs at the end of last month announced a new set of policies to deliver fuel concessions for those struggling with the spiralling costs.

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