UK households that have owned their washing machine for six years could be hit with a hefty £538 charge, according to Citizens Advice. The cost is dependent on the energy certificate of the appliance.

Even the most energy-efficient appliances could set UK households back by over £538 over the years – with the least efficient models costing up to £600.

For instance, an A-rated washing machine with a 51 kWh / 100 rating and a price tag of £379 will cost 13p per wash, equating to £13 for 100 washes.

This translates to a weekly cost of 52p and an annual cost of £27. Over six years, this amounts to £159, bringing the total cost over six years to £538.

A C-rated washing machine with a 68 kWh / 100 rating will cost £349 upfront, then £17 for 100 washes, or 17p per wash, and 68p per week.

This results in a yearly charge of £35 – and £212 over six years, totalling £561, as reported by Birmingham Live.

An E-rated washing machine with a 90 kWh / 100 rating will cost £319 upfront – the cheapest of the three – but will accumulate £23 for 100 washes at 33p per wash, 90p per week, and a £47 charge over one year.

Over six years, this adds up to £281, bringing the total to a staggering £600.

These figures are based on similar washing machines used four times a week, capable of handling up to 10kg of laundry, using a mix of full, half and quarter load sizes, and utilising an eco washing programme, often referred to as ‘eco 40-60’.

They must also have a spin speed of 1,400rpm. Appliances with an A rating are the most efficient. Appliances with a G rating are the least efficient.

Look for an appliance with the most efficient rating you can afford that meets your needs.