Youreko helps you understand the financial impact of appliance energy efficiency
by comparing the estimated energy costs of like-for-like products. We provide clear,
data-driven insights to support more informed purchasing decisions.
Here is an overview of how our system works:
Here is an overview of how our system works:
- Daily market data. We collect product data daily from publicly available sources, such as manufacturer and retailer websites, to maintain an up-to-date view of available models. Products that have not appeared in these sources for over 12 months are removed from our database, ensuring comparisons are based only on models currently available.
- Energy data collection. Once products are added to our database, we update them using energy consumption data from the energy label or product fiche published by the manufacturer.
- Energy cost calculation. The estimated lifetime energy cost is calculated for each product in our database. This is done using official data sources and standardised assumptions to generate a consistent and comparable estimate of lifetime energy cost. See below for more details on how energy costs are calculated.
- Classification. To ensure a fair and meaningful comparison of energy efficiency, we classify all products by their size or capacity where applicable so that we are comparing like-for-like products within the same category.
- Energy savings. We calculate an estimated lifetime energy saving by comparing the selected product's estimated lifetime energy cost with that of the least efficient model identified in the market in the same class or category. We use the least efficient model as a consistent reference point to show the full range of energy costs and potential savings in that class or category. See more details below describing how we calculate energy savings.
- Ratings. We compare the energy consumption of products identified in the market in each class or category and assign them a gold, silver, or bronze rating based on their relative energy consumption. This makes it easy to identify products with higher estimated energy savings at a glance. See below for more details about our ratings.
- Recommendations. We recommend alternative products available on this website when the estimated energy savings are greater than any additional upfront cost. See more details below about recommendations.
How we calculate energy costs
We use values from
official sources (see the table below) as default inputs
for estimating energy costs. These figures are illustrative and
are not a guarantee of product lifespan or energy prices, and
actual usage may vary.
These values can be adjusted in the tool to better reflect your own expectations. Keep in mind that actual energy costs will vary depending on how the product is used.
The default values for average usage and lifespan vary by category, here is an example of the sources used for washing machines:
These values can be adjusted in the tool to better reflect your own expectations. Keep in mind that actual energy costs will vary depending on how the product is used.
The default values for average usage and lifespan vary by category, here is an example of the sources used for washing machines:
| Description | Value | Source |
| Energy consumption | 0.462 kWh per cycle | Product fiche or energy label |
| Average usage | 220 cycles per year (~4 per week) | European Commission |
| Average lifespan | 12.5 years | European Commission |
| Average tariff | 24.67p per kWh | Ofgem |
| Average annual tariff increase | 6.26% (data from the last 17.5 years) | UK Government |
Estimated energy costs are based on the energy consumption as published on the product fiche or energy label.
For example, in the washing machines category, the energy consumption per cycle for the eco 40-60 programme is used.
Estimated energy cost for the LG
F4C510WBTN1 in year one
Here is an example of how we calculate the estimated energy cost for a washing machine in the first year.
| (A) Energy consumption | 0.462 kWh per cycle |
| (B) Usage | 220 cycles per year |
| (C) Tariff | 24.67p per kWh |
| (D) Annual energy consumption | 102 kWh |
| (E) Energy cost per cycle | 11.40p |
| Estimated energy cost calculation | (A * B * C) / 100 = £25.07 |
Estimated energy cost for the LG
F4C510WBTN1 over 12.5 years
Here is an example of how we calculate the estimated energy cost for a washing machine over 12.5 years.
| Year 1 (24.67p per kWh) | £25.07 |
| Year 2 (26.21p per kWh) | £26.64 |
| Year 3 (27.85p per kWh) | £28.31 |
| Year 4 (29.59p per kWh) | £30.08 |
| Year 5 (31.44p per kWh) | £31.96 |
| Year 6 (33.41p per kWh) | £33.96 |
| Year 7 (35.50p per kWh) | £36.08 |
| Year 8 (37.72p per kWh) | £38.34 |
| Year 9 (40.08p per kWh) | £40.74 |
| Year 10 (42.59p per kWh) | £43.29 |
| Year 11 (45.26p per kWh) | £46.00 |
| Year 12 (48.09p per kWh) | £48.88 |
| Year 12.5 (51.10p per kWh) | £25.97 |
| Total estimated energy cost over 12.5 years | £455.31 |
How do we calculate the energy
saving?
This section shows an example calculation for a 10 kg washing machine.
Using the same standard values described above to estimate energy costs, this calculation shows the estimated lifetime energy saving for a 10 kg machine machine compared to the least efficient model in the same class.
Using the same standard values described above to estimate energy costs, this calculation shows the estimated lifetime energy saving for a 10 kg machine machine compared to the least efficient model in the same class.
We compare the estimated lifetime energy cost of the least efficient
10 kg model identified in the market, which is £887, with
that of this product, which is £455. The
difference is an estimated lifetime energy saving of £432.
The least efficient model currently found in this class (at the time of writing), which
serves as the basis for comparison, is the "Hoover H3W4102DE".
How does the rating system
work?
This explanation is based on a 10 kg washing machine.
To rate a product, we compare its energy consumption with other 10 kg models identified in the market, using energy label data. Products are then ranked and grouped into gold, silver, and bronze bands based on their relative energy consumption, which corresponds to their energy savings band.
To rate a product, we compare its energy consumption with other 10 kg models identified in the market, using energy label data. Products are then ranked and grouped into gold, silver, and bronze bands based on their relative energy consumption, which corresponds to their energy savings band.
How do the recommendations
work?
When you view a product using the tool, we look for
more energy efficient alternatives available on the website the tool is running on, that
can help you save on energy costs. To identify these options,
we compare the estimated lifetime energy cost and purchase price of
the product you're viewing with all other products in the same
category on the site. We then highlight alternatives where estimated energy savings are
greater than any additional upfront cost.
To qualify as a recommended alternative, a product must meet the following criteria:
If no suitable alternatives are found that meet all of these criteria, the product's rating is shown instead of recommendations.
To qualify as a recommended alternative, a product must meet the following criteria:
- Be more energy efficient
- Be the same price or higher (to reflect comparable or better functionality)
- Be of equal or greater size/capacity (where applicable)
- Offer estimated energy savings that exceed any additional upfront cost
- Be in stock on the website (where stock data is available)
If no suitable alternatives are found that meet all of these criteria, the product's rating is shown instead of recommendations.