Do energy-efficient products really save you money?

When it comes to buying new appliances, many Australians believe spending more on energy-efficient products will save them in the long run – but it turns out that’s not necessarily true.

New research from Finder.com.au has revealed the savings vary dramatically when you factor in the higher purchase price of energy efficient appliances.

The data shows it’s worth forking out more for a high-rating dryer and reverse cycle air con, which can save families $1131 and $447 over a 10-year period respectively.

However, consumers will only save $167 over a decade if they pay more money for a high-rating fridge, $78 with a dishwasher and just $68 for a television.

Tech expert Charlie Brown told A Current Affair expensive products aren’t necessarily more energy efficient.

“Today we've got a whole number of new features appearing in high price products,” he said.

“It's not guaranteed that just by spending more money you're going to be the appliance that's the most efficient.”

But Brown says aside from the environmental benefits, there are many cost incentives of buying more energy efficient products.

“We tend to see power prices grow over time,” he said.

“By getting a most efficient appliance today, you can potentially hedge yourself for those increased operating costs for the future.”