Household appliances and ‘eco’ programmes: how do they work to be more sustainable?

Rising electricity bills and heightened environmental awareness have led consumers to look for more sustainable alternatives for our daily chores. Among those solutions are eco programmes, which have been included in appliances of all kinds for years. Designed to minimise the use of resources such as energy and water, these programmes not only help the environment, but also lead to significant savings. However, not everyone knows how they work, so they are often dismissed or mistrusted. 

What makes eco programmes different?

The main function of eco programmes is to optimise the resources used by household appliances. Unlike conventional cycles, they use lower temperatures and longer cycles to ensure efficient cleaning or results with less consumption. In washing machines and dishwashers, for example, water heating, which accounts for up to 90% of energy consumption in a standard cycle, is reduced.

Thanks to this approach, results are comparable to traditional programmes, but with less environmental impact. In appliances such as ovens (conventional or microwave), eco modes adjust the temperature and operating time to optimise consumption without jeopardising the quality of the cooked food. Furthermore, eco modes also contribute to extending the lifetime of devices by limiting wear and tear.

Nonetheless, these programmes do have some shortcomings. In the case of washing machines, being slower and operating at lower temperatures, eco programmes are less effective in removing stubborn stains or built-up grime. That is why their use is recommended when the most intense performance is not required.

What are their main benefits?

 
The main benefit of eco programmes is the money they save. According to data from the Spanish Organisation of Consumers and Users (OCU), these programmes can reduce energy consumption by 33% and water consumption by 36% compared to standard cycles, equivalent to a saving of up to 30 euros per year per appliance. In addition, their smoother operation reduces wear and tear on mechanical parts, prolonging their life and reducing maintenance costs in the long run.

On the other hand, from an ecological perspective, eco programmes are key to reducing carbon footprints and water consumption. Since most of the energy we consume comes from non-renewable sources, consuming less contributes to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions. Moreover, in a context of water scarcity, adopting such programmes can make a significant difference.

Taking sustainable consumption a step further

But beyond the visible benefits, the use of these programmes also helps us to adopt more sustainable habits. For example, if we use ecological detergents that are appropriate for low temperatures, we will optimise the performance of these cycles without the need for aggressive chemicals, limiting the pollution of wastewater. Furthermore, we will protect fabrics and utensils, which could be more easily damaged by more aggressive programmes. By extending the useful life of clothes and devices, we will reduce overall consumption, thus indirectly contributing to a production model that is less harmful to the environment. 

Ultimately, the balance of sustainability, savings and performance offered by these programmes can make a big difference in both economic and environmental terms. While they can sometimes be more cumbersome, due to their longer duration and therefore not always compatible with a fast-paced lifestyle, incorporating them into our daily routines is a necessary step towards a greener and more sustainable future.