The study looks at global consumer attitudes and behaviours concerning energy efficiency and is part of the brand’s latest campaign to shed light on how kitchen appliances are used efficiently in the home.

While these results paint a contradictory picture of household efficiency, findings have shown that globally, almost 9 in 10 consumers (87%) believe in the importance of energy efficiency and 78% take an interest in purchasing products that look to improve their household’s efficiency.

However, the majority of respondents admitted to engaging in energy inefficient behaviours that are known to waste energy including:

  • Leaving a freezer plugged in when it’s got nothing in it (20%)
  • Leaving the fridge door open when deciding what to eat (29%)
  • Leave gadgets on charge for longer than they need (37%)

‘Settingsphobia’, a term coined by Beko, is also to blame for inefficient energy practices in the home as almost three-in-five (59%) people are worried they’ll choose the wrong setting when using household appliances, but out of fear stick to the same, sometimes inefficient setting.

Gen Z: the most informed about energy efficiency, but still making mistakes

The results of the survey revealed Gen Z to be one of the most knowledgeable demographics when it comes to energy efficiency with over 60% of Gen Z respondents claiming to read the instructions whenever they buy a new appliance, the study found.

Despite this product knowledge, data shows Gen Z can often make accidental mistakes when it comes to their appliances, with 76% having used the wrong setting on their appliance, causing them to spoil their food/drink or damage their clothing.

When it comes to energy efficiency for those over 64 years of age, as findings reveal a substantial disbelief in energy efficiency products, but a strong belief in energy efficient actions.

The survey revealed that those over 64 are the generation least likely to prioritise energy efficiency when buying new products, with only 6 in 10 (63%) taking action, compared to younger generations (81% of Millennials) – and nearly 7 in 10 (67%) not interested in replacing their current products.

However, those over 64 are the generation who claimed to be most aware of how to use all their appliances in the most efficient way (86%), despite the majority sticking to the same settings on their washing machine.

The survey also offers insights into how attitudes and knowledge regarding best energy efficient practices in the home differ across age groups.

People over the age of 64 cited leaving the oven on whilst not in use (56%) and putting the heating on whilst the windows were open to dry clothes (56%) as inefficient practices, whilst almost a third (28%) of Gen Xers admitted to leaving an empty freezer plugged in.