Nearly half of adults rarely change the settings on their kitchen appliances to make them more energy efficient - fearing what might happen if they did. A study of 2,000 Brits revealed 44 per cent stick to what they are used to because they know the results, while 43 per cent believe in an ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’ approach.
While 20 per cent don’t have a clue what the other settings do so just ignore them entirely, using no more than two programmes. And 55 per cent feel overwhelmed by all the logos and labels on their home appliances.
Akin Garzanli, from at Arçelik, the parent company of Beko which commissioned the research, said: “Our data has revealed striking insight into attitudes and habits within households in the UK, showing that while energy efficiency is a key priority for many there is a discrepancy in how appliances are actually used in the home.
“In recent years, there have been major advances in home technologies and many appliances today have features and settings that enable them to be used in a more energy efficient manner. It’s important for us that our customers feel supported and confident about the full range of their appliance settings.”
The study also found 52 per cent of those who have using the wrong setting on their white goods have ended up with a wash lasting hours, shrunk clothes or even damaged their appliance. And 47 per cent only occasionally familiarise themselves with the instructions of a new gadget.
It also emerged only one in five could confidently say all their home appliances were energy efficient. Of those who disagreed, they blamed this on buying them a long time ago, the rating system changing or losing the paperwork that would tell them.
But while 76 per cent claimed it is important their white goods are energy efficient, 32 per cent leave gadgets on charge for longer than they need to. And 57 per cent have been guilty of overfilling their fridge, which can also be a waste of energy.
Yet 67 per cent have prioritised energy efficiency when deciding to buy a new product such as a washing machine, according to the OnePoll data. It also found 55 per cent intend to replace old appliances with more energy efficient options in the next 12 months, with washing machines, fridges and ovens top of the wish list.
Akin Garzanli, from Beko’s parent company, added: “It is great to see from the research that while many fall into the trap of sticking to what they know with appliance settings and old habits, there is a clear appetite to improve such behaviours moving forward.”
Most confusing kitchen appliances according to Brits
1. Washing machine
2. Microwave
3. Dishwasher
4. Oven
5. Freezer
6. Tumble dryer
7. Fridge
8. Coffee machine
