Powerful vacuum cleaners are to be banned in the next few days after new EU rules are introduced to improve energy efficiency across the continent.

From September 1 companies will be prohibited from manufacturing or importing upright or cylinder vacuums that consume more than 900W and must make sure they meet a number of other criteria in order for the machines to be sold in Europe.

Three years ago, in September 2014, the EU ordered the energy consumption of new vacuum cleaners to be limited to 1,600W as part of its Ecodesign regulations. Before this, the average hoover had an 1,800W motor.

The EU says the new rules will reduce households' costs, although Britain's Energy Saving Trust has suggested that savings will be modest.

If you buy the most efficient 700W vacuum cleaner on the market the trust suggested that it would cost £5 a year to run, whereas those with an old 2,300W model would spend £18 a year.