Energy-efficient appliances: a guide to choice

Did you know that choosing the right appliances can make a difference to your utility bills? Many of our most energy-intensive daily habits, such as cooking meals and washing clothes, are linked to the use of electrical appliances. By choosing energy-efficient appliances , we can reduce our energy consumption and also help] the environment with more sustainable technologies. 

But what really makes an appliance efficient? This guide is to help you understand what energy efficiency is, how to recognise and distinguish the energy classes of household appliances, and which appliances consume the most energy. You can then choose more convenient power and gas offers for your household habits and cut costs on your bill without sacrificing high performance. Let’s start at the beginning.

What do we mean by energy efficiency?

Energy efficiency is the ability of a system or appliance to perform its function while consuming less energy. An efficient household appliance is one that makes the best use of all of its resources to ensure high performance with minimum energy waste.

How to evaluate the energy efficiency of household appliances 

The energy efficiency of a household appliance is expressed through its energy class. This parameter indicates the device’s efficiency level in terms of energy consumption. This classification, regulated by the European Union, makes it easy to compare the performance of different models and to choose the most efficient ones, with advantages for the bill payer and the environment.

Household appliances are divided into energy classes ranging from A (highest efficiency) to G (lowest efficiency). The higher the energy class, the lower the energy consumption, with significant savings in the bill in the long run, consumption being equal.

Being able to recognise and assess the energy class of an appliance in relation to energy savings is the first step in understanding which devices consume the most energy in the home. 

Which household appliances consume the most energy?

Some appliances affect household consumption more than others, especially if they are frequently used or if they belong to low energy classes. 

Air conditioners and boilers 

Air conditioners and boilers can consume a lot of energy, especially during the summer and winter months when they are running at full capacity. 

Compared to conventional boilers, which tend to waste heat in flue gases, modern condensing boilers use this waste heat to pre-heat water, reducing energy waste. The most advanced models are also compatible with intelligent thermostats and automatic regulation systems, which optimise gas use according to room temperature and consumption habits.

Similarly, modern air-conditioners optimise energy management thanks to inverter technology, which automatically modulates power according to the temperature inside the home, ensuring better well-being and comfort.

Choosing energy-efficient air-conditioners and boilers can revolutionise your home consumption, and with Enel Energia's power and gas offers, there are even more advantages for you!

Fridges and freezers

Fridges and freezers are also energy-consuming appliances, as they run 24 hours a day to maintain a constant internal temperature. Less efficient models tend to consume more energy due to poor thermal insulation or compressors that work intermittently. 

Fridges with an inverter compressor, on the other hand, automatically adjust power according to internal temperature, reducing consumption peaks. Moreover, No-frost technology prevents ice formation, improving efficiency and reducing the need for manual defrosting. 

Oven 

Electric ovens can consume a lot of energy, especially when used at high temperatures for long periods. In fact, most baked dishes require long cooking times and traditional models take longer to heat up, without distributing heat evenly. Modern energy-efficient ovens use advanced ventilation technology for proper heat distribution and faster heating and cooking times. 

For faster everyday cooking requiring less energy, on the other hand, modern induction hobs are the ideal solution for optimal energy-efficient performance.  

Washers and dryers

Washing clothes requires a great deal of energy, especially when washing at high temperatures or adding the use of a dryer. In energy-efficient appliances, which often incorporate both washer and dryer functions, drying takes place at low temperatures, improving the treatment of fabrics and preserving their quality.

Dishwashers

Dishwashers are much more efficient than handwashing, but affect energy consumption depending on the frequency of use and the programmes used. An energy-efficient model can save water and electricity thanks to innovative technologies such as load sensors and consequent adjustment of the water level.

Knowing the frequency of use and consumption of each appliance is crucial to choosing highly efficient appliances and improving the management of daily activities.

Why choose high-efficiency appliances?  

Energy-efficient appliances offer numerous economic and environmental advantages. Here are some of the main reasons to consider better performing, sustainable devices:

• Savings for the same consumption on energy and gas raw material bills. 

• Reduced environmental impact due to lower CO₂ emissions if the energy to power the appliances comes from fossil fuels and non-renewable sources.  

• Increased reliability and a longer life, thanks to more efficient materials and safer, advanced technologies.

• Improved home comfort with quieter and more efficient devices.

The Budget Law 2025 has established the Green Home Appliances Bonus, an incentive of 30% on the purchase of energy-efficient appliances manufactured in Europe, with simultaneous disposal of the appliance being replaced. Access to this incentive will be defined by a joint decree of the Ministry of Enterprise and Made in Italy and the Ministry of Economy and Finance.  

The Furniture and Household Appliances Bonus has also been extended for the year 2025, with an income tax (Irpef) deduction of 50% for the purchase of furniture and large household appliances to furnish a property undergoing renovation.  

Energy-efficient appliances with Enel

Investing in energy-efficient appliances is not only good for your wallet, it is also an important step towards a more sustainable future. With new technologies and a more conscious use of energy, you can save on costs, reduce your impact on the environment, and improve the comfort of your home.

Discover a wide range of products and services for your home and always new power and gas offers to manage your domestic energy on enel.it.