The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances (AMDEA) is calling on Government to incentivise consumers to buy energy-efficient appliances, along with the launch of a Repairs & Spares website.

AMDEA made its call on the Government at a Parliamentary Reception  ‘Appliances and the drive to net zero homes’.

To underpin effective action on good appliance usage, AMDEA revealed the results of an in-home study by behavioural scientists at the University of Exeter Circular Economy Hub, on whether consumer education can cut costs and conserve resources.

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Chief executive Paul Hide pointed the Government to the example of European nations, promoting sustainability by offering reduced VAT on repairs, and encouraging homeowners needing to replace appliances cash grants for high-efficiency models.

AMDEA stated France has recently introduced anti-waste grants of up to €45 on repairs carried out by accredited professionals and in Sweden tax breaks are offered for repairs – 12% VAT rather than the usual 25%.

Additionally, AMDEA reported in Spain, regional governments (Madrid and Galicia) are incentivising with grants for the purchase of more efficient appliances.

In the drive to promote a circular economy and extended life, AMDEA is launching a Repairs and Spares portal as an addition to its Know Watt’s What energy-saving campaign.

The portal offers householders access to spare parts, expert repairs and advice from 68 of the UK’s leading appliance brands. 

An Enduring Care section highlights maintenance tips for each appliance category to help homesowners secure best performance for longer.

Paul Hide said: “Right now, everyone is receptive to ways of reducing household costs. Promoting home savings by making the most of installed technology is pushing at an open door.

“The industry is also putting its weight behind encouraging cost-effective repairs that extend appliance lifespans.

“But when homes need to replace appliances many require help to look beyond the price tag to long term choices for themselves and the environment.

“The Government must step up now, while there is an appetite for change, to add some meaningful financial incentives.”

According to AMDEA, if  everyone who replaced a washing machine, fridge freezer or tumble dryer in the last year had bought one of the most energy efficient models, a potential 755m kWh of electricity would have been saved.

This is the equivalent of the electricity produced by 125 wind turbines, enough to power every home in a city the size of Cardiff, or a London borough as big as Barnet.