Shopping for electricals can sometimes be confusing. Throw in energy labels and it can double the confusion. Once not really thought about, EU energy labels now play a big part in the process of finding the right product for your home. Helping to keep those all-important energy bills low, we demystify the EU energy label to understand how this can help save you money (and energy) in the long run. We also look at how to easily compare products and how energy efficient your favourite appliances really are. Whether you’re in the market for a new washing machine or want to add the wow-factor with a new TV, this will get you clued up and ready to shop.
When did energy labels change?
It’s safe to say that the energy labels introduced over 25 years ago needed an update. Technology had left the old labels in the dust so that the original scale of A+++ to G-rated was no longer cutting it. It was becoming harder than ever to work out which of the newer models were the most efficient as technology developed and they all became grouped in the same three top classes of A+ to A+++.
It received the makeover we were all waiting for in 2021 with the new labels rolled out both in-store and online. This included a sleek new design as well as a nice and simple range of A to G. The roll out has been gradual over the last few years with each category getting their own chance to shine.
With this new labelling system it can seem like many of our favourite kitchen appliances are less efficient, but there’s no need to fuss! They are just being measured in a different way so older models may have slid down the scale a few steps.
These changes don’t just benefit us and our wallets, but the environment too. The new, energy efficient labels have given the tried-and-trusted household brands some extra motivation to pull out all the stops when it comes to energy efficient features. This has made the electricals market much greener and more competitive.
In fact, we can thank the new labels for a whole new wave of technological developments and environmentally friendly appliances. After all, this not only helps you save money on energy bills. It’s an easy way to reduce your carbon footprint.
Besides the new rating scale, the updated labels are now much easier to understand with all of the information you need available in just once glance. Alongside new icons and a bolder energy consumption measurement, the changes also included a brand new QR code. This gives you quick access to all of the key facts at your fingertips using the camera on your smartphone.
Energy labels explained
Products that have energy labels
Comparing appliance energy efficiency labels is an easy way to make sure you’re buying the best products for your family’s needs. Rolled out across all of your favourite appliances, these new labels allow you to enjoy a smoother, stress-free shopping experience on everything from washing machines and fridge freezers to TVs. Curious about how they’ve changed? See below how each new label can benefit you when shopping for those must-have products:
Washing machines
Before they received a makeover, over 55% of washing machines were ranked A+++ making it hard to judge which products were the most effective. The new labels now feature:
- The energy consumption per 100 washes
- More information on capacity
- The duration of ‘Eco’ programmes
- Water consumption (per litre)
- Noise output when spinning (not washing)
Washer dryers
Very similar to the washing machine labels, they’ve also added the duration of a standard programme for both a wash & dry cycle as well as an individual wash cycle for those times in the summer when the nice weather does the hard work for you.
- The energy consumption per 100 washes
- More information on capacity
- Water consumption (per litre)
- Noise output when spinning (not washing)
- The duration of a standard programme for both a wash & dry cycle
- The duration of an individual wash cycle
Fridges and freezers
Another category where a redesign of the label was really needed, half of the refrigeration appliances on the market in 2014 were classed as either A++ or A+++ in energy efficiency. By giving it an upgrade, you can make sure that your food stays fresh without racking up the running costs.
- A separate icon for chilled and frozen compartments
- More detail on noise emissions for the product
TVs
Enjoy your favourite shows with the comfort of knowing that your new display is saving the pennies and helping the planet too.
- The energy consumption is now detailed per 1,000 hours of use for both Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) and High Dynamic Range (HDR)
- Can now view the resolution levels in pixels
- To reduce confusion and make the labels less overwhelming, the power in watts and details of hard switches has been removed
Dishwashers
Get the dishes scrubbed while you relax with a dishwasher that saves on both water and energy consumption.
- New icon for noise emissions
- More details of the ‘Eco’ setting including the duration and water consumption
- The energy consumption of the ‘Eco’ programme is now measured per 100 cycles
Wine fridges
Sleek, sophisticated and with a label to match, wine fridges now provide more information on bottle capacity and noise levels so that you can wine & dine in style.
- A new icon for wine bottle capacity
- Noise emissions now included
How Hughes Can Help
Taking our impact on the environment and the cost to our wallets seriously – these new labels are a great step in the right direction! Don’t worry though, there’s plenty more that can be done to keep bills low. To help you with your eco journey, click here for our list of tips, tricks and advice to cut down energy use and reduce your carbon footprint.
