With UK energy bills at a record high, new data has revealed a spike in purchases of Smart appliances with better energy ratings and ‘eco’ modes, in some cases resulting in a purchase increase of over 220% in April.

The product lead out data from one of Europe’s leading price comparison sites idealo.co.uk shows an average increase of 114% for week-on-week purchases of high energy rated appliances. This includes a 225% increase in week-on-week purchases of ovens with an A+ energy rating, a 67% increase for dryers, as well as a 100% increase in Smart thermostats.

idealo’s brand and communications manager Katy Philips commented: “We expected to see a slight increase in consumers looking for greener alternatives but didn’t expect to see such a huge increase week-on-week – the fact A+ rated ovens have increased in the hundreds is unheard of within appliance ranges.”

Notably, interest in low energy rated products has decreased; purchases of F rated fridge freezers have reduced by -38%.

As well as tracking purchase spikes, idealo analysed the cheapest time to buy energy-saving appliances from now until the end of the year to advise consumers on how to save up to £481.65.

Results show that Brits can save the most on cookers (55%) by buying in September, followed closely by fridges that have a saving of 50% if they are purchased in June.