Washing Machine Energy Ratings Explained: A to G for Lancashire Shoppers

Since the EU-style energy labels were rescaled in March 2021, the old A+++ ratings that appeared on virtually every washing machine have been replaced with a stricter A to G scale. Most machines now sit in the C to F range, and the difference between a high-rated and low-rated model can mean over £50 per year in electricity costs for an average Lancashire household running 5-6 loads per week. Here is how to decode the new labels and choose wisely.

Why the Energy Labels Changed

The old system had become meaningless. When virtually every washing machine on the shelves of Currys, John Lewis, or the Argos stores across Lancashire claimed an A+++ rating, shoppers had no way to tell efficient models from average ones. The rescaled A-G system sets much stricter criteria, with the A rating left intentionally difficult to achieve to encourage ongoing innovation.

Under the new system, most washing machines rate between B and F. A genuinely A-rated washing machine is exceptionally efficient and will command a premium price. A D-rated machine represents the current market average. Anything rated E or below is an older or budget design that will cost noticeably more to run over its lifespan.

What the New Label Tells You

The energy label contains several pieces of useful information beyond the headline A-G rating. Understanding each element helps you make a properly informed choice.

The energy consumption figure is shown in kWh per 100 wash cycles, calculated using a eco 40-60 programme. This standardised test makes comparison between models straightforward. A B-rated machine might use 47 kWh per 100 cycles, while an E-rated model uses 76 kWh per 100 cycles. For a household running 250 wash cycles per year (roughly 5 per week), that difference works out at around 72 kWh annually – roughly £17 per year at current electricity rates.

Water consumption is shown in litres per cycle. Efficient machines use 40-50 litres per cycle, while less efficient ones use 55-70 litres. With metered water costing roughly £3-4 per cubic metre across United Utilities’ Lancashire area, the difference in water bills between an efficient and inefficient machine adds another £15-25 per year.

Spin drying efficiency is rated A to G and tells you how much moisture remains in the clothes after the spin cycle. An A-rated spin means your clothes come out drier, reducing tumble dryer time (or line drying time). If you use a tumble dryer regularly, a better spin rating can save significant energy on the drying side – potentially more than the washing cycle difference itself.

Noise levels during spinning are now shown in decibels with an A-D rating. This matters for Lancashire households where the washing machine is in a kitchen, utility room adjacent to a living space, or in an open-plan layout. An A-rated noise level means under 73 dB during spin, while a D-rated machine can exceed 81 dB – the difference between a conversation and standing next to a busy road.

Real Cost Differences: Budget vs Efficient Models

Let us compare two real scenarios for a Lancashire household running 5 washes per week (260 cycles per year). Machine A is a B-rated model costing £500, using 47 kWh per 100 cycles and 48 litres of water per cycle. Machine B is an E-rated model costing £300, using 76 kWh per 100 cycles and 62 litres per cycle.

Annual electricity cost for Machine A: 122 kWh at 24p = £29.33. Annual electricity cost for Machine B: 198 kWh at 24p = £47.42. Annual water cost difference (metered): approximately £12. Total annual running cost saving with Machine A: roughly £30.

The more efficient machine costs £200 more to buy but may save an estimated £30 per year. Over a typical washing machine lifespan of 10-12 years, that is £300-360 in savings – comfortably recouping the higher purchase price and delivering a net saving. Factor in spin efficiency improvements that reduce tumble dryer use, and the total saving over the machine’s life could exceed £500.

The Best Energy-Efficient Washing Machines for 2025

Several models stand out for Lancashire households looking for the best combination of efficiency, performance, and value. The Samsung WW11BB504DAW is one of the few A-rated machines on the market, using just 45 kWh per 100 cycles with an 11kg drum – ideal for larger families across the region. At around £600, it pays back its premium within 5-6 years through lower running costs.

For a more affordable B-rated option, the Bosch WGG24400GB uses 52 kWh per 100 cycles with a 9kg drum. At around £450, it represents excellent value for the typical 3-4 person Lancashire household. Its quiet 70 dB spin cycle makes it suitable for open-plan kitchens.

Budget-conscious shoppers can still find C-rated machines from brands like Indesit and Beko at £250-350. While less efficient than the premium options, these are a significant step up from the E and F-rated machines commonly found in sales and clearance offers. Avoid being tempted by extremely cheap machines rated E or below – the extra running costs over 10 years will far exceed the purchase price saving.

Getting More From Your Current Machine

If replacing your washing machine is not in the budget right now, you can still reduce running costs with your existing appliance. These tips apply whether you have a shiny new machine or a ten-year-old workhorse in your Bolton or Burnley kitchen.

• Always wash at 30 degrees unless dealing with heavily soiled items or bedding. The difference between a 30 and 40 degree wash is roughly 40% less electricity per cycle
• Use the eco programme when possible – it runs longer but at lower temperatures, using less energy overall
• Fill the drum properly. Running half-empty loads wastes water and energy. A full load uses the same amount of electricity as a half load on most machines
• Use the highest spin speed your fabrics allow. Better water extraction means less tumble drying or faster line drying
• Clean the detergent drawer and door seal monthly, and run an empty hot wash every 2-3 months to prevent buildup that reduces efficiency
• Descale regularly if you are in a hard water area – parts of Lancashire around Blackpool and the Fylde coast have harder water than the Pennine areas

Washer-Dryers: A Different Calculation

Washer-dryers have their own energy labels, and the ratings can be misleading if you only look at the wash cycle. Most washer-dryers rate reasonably well for washing (C-D range) but poorly for drying (often E-G). If you use the drying function regularly, a separate efficient washing machine plus a heat pump tumble dryer will typically cost less to run than a washer-dryer, despite the higher purchase price.

Washer-dryers make sense in Lancashire flats and smaller homes where space is tight – a single unit in the kitchen is more practical than finding room for two appliances. But if you have space for separates, particularly in a utility room or garage, buying separately gives you better efficiency and longer appliance lifespan.

Where to Buy in Lancashire

Major retailers like Currys (with stores in Preston, Blackburn, Bolton, and across Greater Manchester), John Lewis (at the Trafford Centre and Manchester), and AO.com (headquartered in Bolton with next-day delivery across Lancashire) all display the new energy labels in-store and online. Independent appliance retailers in towns like Clitheroe, Lancaster, and Chorley may offer competitive pricing and can often advise on the best models for your specific needs.

When comparing prices online, always factor in the annual running cost differences. A machine that is £100 cheaper to buy but rated two energy bands lower will cost you £200-300 more over its lifetime. The cheapest purchase price is rarely the cheapest overall cost.

Does the new eco 40-60 programme actually clean clothes properly?

Yes. The eco 40-60 programme is designed to wash mixed cotton and synthetic loads effectively at lower temperatures and with less water. Independent testing consistently shows it performs as well as traditional 40 degree programmes for normally soiled everyday laundry. It runs for longer (typically 2.5-4 hours), but uses significantly less energy because the water is heated less aggressively.

Are A-rated washing machines worth the premium?

For most Lancashire households, a B or C-rated machine offers the best value. A-rated machines typically cost £150-300 more than B-rated equivalents but only save around £5-10 per year in running costs. Unless you do an unusually high number of washes (10+ per week), a B-rated machine delivers the better financial return over the product’s lifespan.

My old washing machine is rated A+++. Does that mean it is efficient?

Not necessarily by current standards. An old A+++ machine from 2015 would typically rate around D or E on the new scale. If your machine is over 8-10 years old and you are looking to reduce energy costs, upgrading to a modern B or C-rated model could save an estimated £30-50 per year in electricity alone, plus additional savings on water and tumble drying.