Learn about the new energy labels and what they mean
Since the current energy label was introduced, there have been huge improvements in energy saving technology. This has resulted in nearly all products being concentrated at the top of the scale, so the time has come to recalibrate the label.
From March 2021 there will be new energy labels and revised energy efficiency classes for household appliances. Shopping will be easier with electrical items featuring a new, simpler label with a range from A to G.
What’s changing?
In addition to the new energy classes, you can see that a QR code has been added to the new labels to make the shopping process as quick and as painless as possible, with all of the key information supplied straight to your smart device.
There is also a more understandable measurement of energy consumption located at the bottom of the label alongside information specific to the appliance you are buying such as noise emission and water consumption figures.
The usual “Plus” classes, such as A+++, A++ and A+, are replaced by a uniform energy consumption scale from A to G. The seven-step color scale is retained.
What do the changes mean?
Refrigeration
The new label uses a uniform A-G scale for all products. A+++/A+ will no longer exist.
In the upper right corner of the label a QR-Code is introduced which will provide a direct link to the label database of the European Commission supporting transparency and easier market surveillance by national authorities.
The energy consumption of the products is shown in a more prominent and uniform way in the middle section of the label.
The lower part of the label contains various pictograms which inform about selected product features. Several pictograms are the same as in the old label, some have been revised and a few have been newly introduced.
New labels will feature an icon for chilled and unfrozen compartments with a separate icon for noise emissions. This includes more detail on noise emission classes.
Wine Coolers
Changes include a new icon for wine bottles as well as more information regarding noise emissions and the relevant classes.
The new label uses a uniform A-G scale for all products. A+++/A+ will no longer exist.
In the upper right corner of the label a QR-Code is introduced which will provide a direct link to the label database of the European Commission supporting transparency and easier market surveillance by national authorities.
The energy consumption of the products is shown in a more prominent and uniform way in the middle section of the label.
The lower part of the label contains various pictograms which inform about selected product features. Several pictograms are the same as in the old label, some have been revised and a few have been newly introduced.
Washing Machines
Labels now include the energy consumption per 100 washes with added information on capacity and duration of ‘Eco’ programmes. Water consumption is also listed (per litre) alongside the noise output when spinning (not washing).
The new label uses a uniform A-G scale for all products. A+++/A+ will no longer exist.
In the upper right corner of the label a QR-Code is introduced which will provide a direct link to the label database of the European Commission supporting transparency and easier market surveillance by national authorities.
The energy consumption of the products is shown in a more prominent and uniform way in the middle section of the label.
The lower part of the label contains various pictograms which inform about selected product features. Several pictograms are the same as in the old label, some have been revised and a few have been newly introduced.
Washer Dryers
As seen on the example washing machine label, the energy consumption is now listed per 100 washes with a noise emission class for the appliance while it’s spinning.
A rated wash capacity, water consumption level and approximate durations of a standard programme is included for both a wash & dry cycle as well as an individual wash cycle.
The new label uses a uniform A-G scale for all products. A+++/A+ will no longer exist.
In the upper right corner of the label a QR-Code is introduced which will provide a direct link to the label database of the European Commission supporting transparency and easier market surveillance by national authorities.
The energy consumption of the products is shown in a more prominent and uniform way in the middle section of the label.
The lower part of the label contains various pictograms which inform about selected product features. Several pictograms are the same as in the old label, some have been revised and a few have been newly introduced.
Dishwashers
Alongside the new icon for noise emissions, you can also view the duration and water consumption of the energy efficient ‘Eco’ setting. The new labels also list the energy consumption of the ‘Eco’ programme as per 100 cycles.
As seen on the example washing machine label, the energy consumption is now listed per 100 washes with a noise emission class for the appliance while it’s spinning.
A rated wash capacity, water consumption level and approximate durations of a standard programme is included for both a wash & dry cycle as well as an individual wash cycle.
The new label uses a uniform A-G scale for all products. A+++/A+ will no longer exist.
In the upper right corner of the label a QR-Code is introduced which will provide a direct link to the label database of the European Commission supporting transparency and easier market surveillance by national authorities.
The energy consumption of the products is shown in a more prominent and uniform way in the middle section of the label.
The lower part of the label contains various pictograms which inform about selected product features. Several pictograms are the same as in the old label, some have been revised and a few have been newly introduced.
TVs & Displays
Energy consumption is now detailed per 1,000 hours of use for both Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR) on the new labels. Consumers can also view the resolution level in pixels as part of the screen sizing information. For simplicity, the detail of power in watts and hard switches has been removed.
The new label uses a uniform A-G scale for all products. A+++/A+ will no longer exist.
In the upper right corner of the label a QR-Code is introduced which will provide a direct link to the label database of the European Commission supporting transparency and easier market surveillance by national authorities.
The energy consumption of the products is shown in a more prominent and uniform way in the middle section of the label.
The lower part of the label contains various pictograms which inform about selected product features. Several pictograms are the same as in the old label, some have been revised and a few have been newly introduced.
