It is there to help you consider other factors beside the price tag – for example, how much it costs to run, its capacity, noise and performance.

These labels can be baffling as they have different information for each type of equipment.

The following notes should help you make sense of them.

Washing machines

The label pictured is for a washer and tells you that it uses 0.95KWh for each 60ºC wash cycle. So if you do 200 washes a year it will use 190 kWh annually. A kWh will cost you around 10p, so this washer would cost around £19 in electricity each year.

Other useful information includes the maximum weight of each load, which varies between around 5 - 8 kg; something to consider alongside the price and running costs.

It is possible for a washing machine/ washer-dryer to achieve different ratings for wash, spin and drying cycle – appliances that achieve A in all three are the most energy efficient.

Fridges, freezers and fridge-freezers

The energy efficiency rating of these appliances is based on a combination of the energy consumption and the volume of the compartments

Unlike washers, the energy consumption is displayed in kWh per year - again giving you an idea of how much it will cost to run on an annual basis. So if the label says 230kWh per year, at 10p per kWh, it will cost you £23 in electricity.

Since July 2004, the A rating for fridges and freezer appliances has been divided into three new categories: A, A+ and A++.

The A+ and A++ fridges and freezers feature exceptional energy efficiency – all are at least 25 per cent more efficient than basic Class A models, while some A++ models are as much as 60 per cent more.

Dishwashers

The energy efficiency rating is shown in kWh per number of place settings.

Whether it’s a dishwasher, fridge or washer, the important thing is to be able to fill it! Buying one that is larger than your needs wastes electricity immediately.

Remember - the label is only a guide; it cannot predict how much you will use the electrical item or on what settings, but it does give useful information and allows you to compare like with like.

What’s a watt?

A Watt (W) is a unit of power. It is used on electrical goods to show how much power an appliance uses. A low energy light bulb will typically consume between 9-20 watts.

A Kilowatt (kWh) is the unit of measurement used by energy companies to charge for electricity. It is equivalent to 1,000 watts consumed in one hour. So a 20 watt low energy bulb will take 50 hours (20x50=1000) to consume 1 kWh, whereas a 1000 watt plasma TV will take 1 hour (1000x1=1000) to consume 1 kWh!