Buying Guides

How to Reduce Energy Bills in 2026 with Energy Efficient Appliances

Practical advice for homes across Cornwall and Devon

With energy bills still a concern for many households, the start of a new year is a natural time to look at where savings can realistically be made. While habits play a part, one of the most effective ways to reduce running costs in the long term is by choosing more energy efficient appliances.

For homes across Cornwall and Devon, upgrading older appliances can make a noticeable difference to day-to-day energy use, particularly during the winter months when appliances are working harder. In this guide, we explain where energy is most commonly used in the home, which appliances offer the biggest potential savings and how to make informed choices without unnecessary jargon.

Jump straight to the sections most relevant to your home and the appliances you use every day.

In this guide

Why energy efficiency still matters in 2026

Many households are still using appliances that are 10 to 15 years old, often without realising how much more energy modern alternatives can save. Improvements in insulation, motors, sensors and smart controls mean today’s appliances are designed to do the same jobs using significantly less electricity and water.

For customers in Cornwall and Devon, where homes range from modern new builds to older properties, choosing the right appliance for your space and usage makes a real difference. Energy efficiency is not just about cutting costs, but also about reliability, performance and peace of mind.

Understanding energy labels without the confusion

Energy labels are designed to help compare appliances, but they are often misunderstood. The current A to G rating system is stricter than older versions, which means a modern B-rated appliance may still be far more efficient than an older A+++ model bought years ago.

When comparing appliances, it is worth looking beyond the letter rating and paying attention to:

  • Annual energy usage measured in kWh
  • Water consumption for washing machines and dishwashers
  • Noise levels, especially for open-plan homes
  • Capacity and load size

These details give a more realistic picture of how an appliance will perform in everyday use.

The biggest energy users in the home

Some appliances naturally use more energy than others, especially those that run frequently or continuously. The main contributors in most homes include:

  • Washing machines and tumble dryers
  • Fridge freezers that run 24 hours a day
  • Cooking appliances such as ovens and hobs
  • Televisions and home entertainment systems

Focusing on these areas first often delivers the most noticeable savings.

Laundry appliances where savings really add up

Laundry appliances are among the biggest energy users in many homes. Modern washing machines are designed to clean effectively at lower temperatures, reducing the energy needed to heat water. Features such as load sensing help avoid wasting electricity on half loads.

Tumble dryers have seen some of the biggest improvements. Heat pump tumble dryers use much lower temperatures and recycle warm air, making them far more efficient than traditional condenser or vented models. While the initial purchase price can be higher, the long-term running costs are significantly lower.

For busy households across Cornwall and Devon, this can translate into meaningful savings over the life of the appliance.

Fridge freezers saving energy every hour of the day

Unlike many appliances, fridge freezers never switch off. Even small improvements in efficiency can add up over time. Modern models benefit from better insulation, improved compressors and more accurate temperature control.

Choosing the right size is also important. An oversized fridge freezer uses more energy than necessary, while an overfilled or poorly organised one works harder to maintain temperature.

Replacing an older fridge freezer is often one of the simplest ways to reduce household energy use without changing habits.

Cooking smarter with modern appliances

Cooking appliances have also become more efficient. Induction hobs heat pans directly rather than warming the surrounding surface, which means faster cooking times and less wasted energy. They also offer better control and improved safety, making them popular in both modern and traditional kitchens.

Fan ovens distribute heat more evenly, reducing cooking times and improving results. For smaller meals, air fryers have become a popular option, using significantly less energy than heating a full-sized oven.

This section complements kitchen-focused advice while allowing customers to explore more detailed guidance elsewhere if needed.

TVs and home entertainment energy use explained

Televisions are often in use for several hours a day, especially during the winter. Modern LED and OLED TVs are far more energy efficient than older plasma or early LCD models, even at larger screen sizes.

Simple adjustments such as enabling eco modes, reducing unnecessary brightness and using power-saving settings can further reduce energy use without affecting viewing quality.

Audio equipment such as soundbars and speakers typically use very little power, especially compared to older AV setups, making them an efficient way to improve sound without significantly increasing energy bills.

Smart features that genuinely help reduce energy use

Not all smart features are essential, but some can make a real difference. Useful examples include:

  • Load detection that adjusts water and energy use
  • Automatic switch-off features
  • Usage monitoring through simple apps
  • Scheduled operation for off-peak use where applicable

These features are most effective when they support everyday routines rather than adding complexity.

Simple habits that help appliances run efficiently

Even the most efficient appliance benefits from good habits. Using eco programmes correctly, avoiding unnecessary pre-heating and keeping appliances well maintained all help reduce wasted energy.

Small changes combined with efficient appliances can make a noticeable difference over time.

When is it time to replace an older appliance?

If an appliance is unreliable, noisy or struggling to perform basic tasks, it may be using far more energy than a modern alternative. In many cases, the running cost savings over several years outweigh the initial investment.

Getting advice based on your household size, usage and space is key to making the right choice.

Local advice makes the difference

Choosing energy efficient appliances is not about buying the most expensive model. It is about finding the right appliance for your home and how you use it.

At HBH Woolacotts, we have been helping customers across Cornwall and Devon choose appliances with confidence for decades. With local stores, knowledgeable staff and services including delivery, installation and recycling, we are always happy to offer practical advice tailored to your home.

If you are considering upgrading an appliance in 2026, visiting a local store or speaking to our team can help you make a decision that saves energy and works for the long term.

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