Replacing an old fridge freezer can bring the same environmental benefits as installing double-glazing, stated Amdea calling on the government to put in place consumer incentives encouraging consumer to replace inefficient appliances.
At a reception in the House of Commons organized by Richard Harrington MP, and attended by representatives of government departments and leading white goods manufacturers, Amdea launched its new campaign calling the government to put in place measures encouraging consumers to replace their old appliances.
The launch coincided with the publication of the report from the University of Surrey that conducted research into domestic habits of consumers. This pilot study revealed that substantial savings can be made by small changes to the behaviour of relatively ‘green consumers’.
“Today’s new fridge freezer uses just half of the power of a new model 20 years ago, and a chest freezer about a third,” said Douglas Herbison, chief executive of Amdea. “The problem is that consumers aren’t being encouraged to replace their old appliances through schemes such as the Green Deal, even though the environmental benefits are significant.”
The Green Deal, introduced in 2012, offered loans against the cost of energy efficiency measures, such as energy efficient glazing. The 2010 Boiler Scrappage Scheme offered a £400 voucher for each G-rated boiler replaced by homeowners.
The University of Surrey pilot study showed that:
• perceived cost was the principal factor driving consumers’ environmental behaviour;
• consumers were keen to switch off lights and phone charges to avoid standby costs;
• but they had limited understanding of energy labels.
The study also revealed that when consumers’ 5-10 year old appliances were replaced with standard modern ones (A or A+ models): fridge freezers replacements produced energy savings of 40% to 60%, while dishwashers and washing machines saved between 8% and 21% and an A+++ tumble dryer saved 39%.
When consumers were asked to switch to a lower temperature wash, energy savings on washing machines were between 35% and 59% and between 19% and 34% on dishwashers.
