Home appliance energy consumption – effective ways to lower your electricity bill
Updated 25.8.2025
Inflation and massive electricity price hikes in early 2022 made consumers in Finland and globally more aware of household appliance energy consumption. In this article, our experts explain how much electricity appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and refrigerators use, what you need to know about energy labels, and how to maximize savings on your electricity bill while keeping your daily life running smoothly.
Modern household appliances consume very little electricity
The biggest energy consumers in households are typically hot water usage, electric saunas, and underfloor heating in bathrooms. Reducing their use can significantly lower your electricity bill. In contrast, modern appliances are so energy-efficient that their impact on bills was negligible at previous price levels. However, the sharp rise in electricity prices may now affect heavy users. For larger households, reducing appliance use can be nearly impossible or at least make daily life significantly more difficult.
We aim to provide simple tips for using appliances that save money—if not directly on your electricity bill, then in other areas of household management. Daily life shouldn't be unnecessarily difficult. With smart appliance use and the right purchases, your routine stays smooth while you save money.
When should you upgrade your home appliances?
Modern home appliances are significantly more energy-efficient than models from 10 or 15 years ago. Replacing your oldest appliances can be a smart investment, leading to noticeable monthly and annual savings over the long term. Upgrading doesn't have to break the bank, as even mid-range models offer excellent energy efficiency. Since appliances are meant to simplify your daily life and meet your specific needs, you should primarily choose them based on their features—higher-end models often provide enhanced convenience alongside better efficiency. Choose appliances that make your everyday life easy and enjoyable.
Energy labels help you compare energy consumption
Energy labels help consumers compare the energy consumption of different household appliances. On March 1, 2021, labels were updated for refrigerators, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines, washer-dryers, and wine coolers. This change was necessary because rapid improvements in energy efficiency meant most new appliances were already rated A+, A++, or A+++, making it difficult for consumers to differentiate between them. The "plus" ratings are expected to be phased out for other household appliances in the coming years.
The new energy labels categorize appliances from A to G. However, class A has initially been left empty in many categories to allow room for future innovation and even more energy-efficient products. Consequently, the most efficient products are often currently in classes B or C, though D- and E-rated appliances remain highly energy-efficient. Please note that old and new energy labels are not directly comparable due to changes in calculation methods.