How energy efficient is a second-hand appliance?

Many people assume that buying a brand-new A-rated appliance is the most energy-efficient choice. But that’s not the whole story. 

Manufacturing new white goods requires significant energy, raw materials and global transportation. A large proportion of an appliance’s lifetime carbon footprint is created before it even reaches your kitchen.  

Fortunately, there’s an easy solution... refurbished second-hand goods!

Buying a refurbished appliance avoids the emissions associated with new production. Over the past ten years, REWORK has helped avoid an estimated 43,000 tonnes of CO₂ by extending the life of existing appliances. That’s because reuse dramatically reduces demand for new manufacturing - one of the most carbon-intensive stages of an appliance’s lifecycle. 

In a recent report by ReLondon and the University of Oxford, researched showed that 92% of carbon emissions impact from electrical and electrinic equipment has already happened before products even reach the city.* Through the manufacture and distribution of new electrical and electronic appliances alone, the CO2eq generated is almost 5.4 million tonnes (and that's just from what we use at home).

While newer models may use marginally less electricity per cycle, those savings often take years to offset the carbon cost of production. So, keeping a fully functioning appliance in use is frequently the more energy-efficient option overall. 

The greenest appliance? Often, it’s the one that already exists. And at REWORK, each and every appliance is professionally tested, responsibly repaired and refurbished and comes with 6 months warranty. Even when appliances really are at the end of their life, their parts are still sold on our ebay shop!

If you’re looking to replace one or more of your household appliances, REWORK offers a wide range from washing machines and dryers, to washer-dryer combos, fridges, freezers, and even your dishwashers. 

We’re regularly adding newly refurbished items to our online store, so stay up to date here!

* London's Electricals and Electronics Footprint: 2025, ReLondon and University of Oxford