Energy efficiency is one of the key attributes consumers look for when buying a new appliance, a new survey has found.
A study carried out by Underwriters Laboratories found that more than half (57 per cent) of consumers are principally concerned with maintaining cheap energy bills and therefore prefer appliances that do not consume too much electricity.
Most respondents said they are so concerned about saving money that they do not even check for a product's safety credentials.
Simin Zhou, vice-president and general manager of Underwriters Laboratories' appliances, HVAC/R and components business unit, said the survey's findings come as no surprise.
"It's understandable that consumers are focused on cost and energy savings when purchasing home appliances in today's struggling economy," he said.
"Energy efficiency is an important attribute, but family safety also needs to be part of the decision-making process to avoid potential dangers."
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