These washing machines have top marks for energy efficiency with their A+ ratings, as well as some other desirable features.

The Beko WMXD760 front-loading washing machine has a super-fast 14 minute 2kg load programme, and an express programme of just 30 minutes for a full 7kg load. This gives great flexibility for targeting your wash day requirements and consequently saving water and energy with each load. What more could you want from a washing machine? Well, two things that I can think of, performance and price. This Beko machine scores well on those two points too. It scores an A for its cleaning rating, and costs in the region of £340, an excellent price for a machine with these features. It’s available in white and silver.

LG really do stay true to their strap line Life’s Good with this front loading machine. It’s the LG Steam Direct Drive Washing Machine, with an 8 kg capacity that uses cutting-edge washing machine technology to save water and energy with every wash. This eco-friendly washing machines use 35% less water and 21% less energy than conventional machines, and the automatic steam only refresh programme gets rid of creases to save you from ironing. It is available in a wide range of colours and priced around the £570 mark.

The Electrolux Insight Time Manager front loading washing machine has an 8 kg capacity and a number of versatile programmes enabling you to adapt the duration of your washing cycle to suit you. It offers special curtain, duvet and lingerie programmes, as well as a 20-minute 5-shirt wash. This model is available in white and silver and is priced from around £460.

Tips to save energy when you do your laundry

1. Choose concentrated detergents and fabric softeners to reduce use of resources for packaging and transporting them.

2. Dry your clothes outside on a washing line.

3. Wash at lower temperatures, with modern detergents this is just as effective as using warmer water.