The UK Kitchen Bathroom & Bedroom Specialists Association has published a handy guide to the new energy saving labelling and how it works. Having read the document, I feel it would be useful to have a copy of it around whenever and wherever people are making decisions about which appliance/s to purchase, as the new system is rather more complicated - and a lot more useful - than the old one.

While years ago many of us would not have rated low energy or water consumption high on the list of priorities when it came to choosing a new appliance, with prices what they are now - and the threat of large increases ahead (particularly when it comes to gas!) and the move by water companies to fit water meters into more homes, it is something that simply has to take its place high on (if not at the top of) the list of criteria when it comes to deciding what to buy or recommend.

Technology has moved on enormously since the original labelling scheme came into being and the energy rating of an appliance can now vary its annual running costs considerably.

For example, the new top rated refrigeration products (A +++) offer savings of up to 60% when compared to an A rated appliance and when you convert these savings to money over, say, a 10-year period or however long you're likely to keep the appliance... well, the total could easily cover the cost of a replacement!

The guide also highlights the importance of considering exactly how an appliance is likely to be used, when making a buying decision or recommendation. The message is really brought home by a case study which shows that using a tumble drier in a particular way, might add £400 to the electricity bill over 10 years if a unit is chosen that has technology which doesn't make the best of a household's usage patterns. It advises that the way you plan to use your appliance should be taken into consideration prior to purchase, as this can make a real difference to running costs over time. If you're a dealer and want your customers to recommend you to others, bringing this point into your sales pitch is an ideal way of doing it!

If you're not a member of the KBSA, it would be worth getting in touch to enquire about membership... the support the Association (and others like it) gives to those in the KBB trade is invaluable and this guide is just a small part of the difference membership can make. (T: 01623 818808, E: [email protected])

Yours,