Energy efficiency ? it is getting easier to be green

Despite coloured energy efficiency ratings appearing on products, it has never been easy to stand in a showroom of an electrical retailer and calculate how much extra the lower band ratings will add to the annual cost of running the appliance.

A new comparison site, called sust-it.net, will help consumers to be better informed.

One F-rated tumble drier was shown to cost more per year to run than the actual replacement cost of buying an A-rated appliance.

Ross from sust-it.net said: "If you're a consumer on a tight budget . . . you're going to be in for a big shock when the bills arrive!"

January 21^st 2008

• Slowing down in mortgage market
• Homeowners urged to check utility bills
• Credit crunch worries begin to bite
• Save toward your home insurance, cut up your store cards
• Festive hangover lasts until next Christmas
• Borrowing regarded as a normal part of lifestyle
• The bank of Mum