The new energy label for home appliances came into force on March 1, 2021.

The main purpose of this change was to simplify its reading and interpretation: now, the scale only ranges from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). 

Find out what the new energy label 2021 means.

 

Energy Label: What is it?

In the European Union, the use of energy label is mandatory on household appliances: an easy-to-read listing of all the equipment's characteristics - particularly in terms of performance and energy efficiency - for consumer analysis at the time of purchase.

Thus, and also with the system of appliances classes, the consumer can buy products and make an informed and conscious decision.

These are the common elements in the labels of the different product categories:

1. Supplier, brand and model;
2. Energy efficiency class;
3. Energy Efficiency Scale;
4. Annual energy consumption (kWh/year);
5. Other information.

 

Why was it necessary to change the energy label?

The energy label was created with the aim of displaying the most important data of an appliance, with a special focus on its efficiency.

Thanks to this scheme, as well as the progress of technology, equipment has become increasingly efficient and class A – the highest in terms of energy efficiency – has become insufficient.

To get around the problem, the classifications A+++, A++, A+ were created. 

However, this scale was also unclear for all parties involved. Most home appliances were currently in classes A+, A++ and A+++. 

Finally, in order to guarantee a correct interpretation and transparency, the European Union returned to the scale from A to G, with A representing a level of efficiency not yet available: an opportunity and challenge for manufacturers to respond to a market need!

 

The main changes in the new energy label 2021

1. The efficiency scale of household appliances varies from A to G: classes A+, A++ and A+++ disappeared;
2. Test procedures for rating devices have been revised and are more demanding. There is still no equipment that reaches class A;
3. Pictograms have a new look;
4. A QR code has been inserted in the upper right corner of the label. By reading this code with a smartphone, you gain access to the European Product Database for Energy Labeling (EPREL), with all the label and device data.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Old and new energy label for a fridge-freezer. Source: European Commission

 

Which devices already have this label?

If you are going to buy washing machines, washing machines and dryers, as well as dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers or televisions you will already find the new energy labels.

This equipment will be followed by implementation, as of September 2021, in light sources (although in this case the old and new energy labels can be used simultaneously until March 1, 2023) and, subsequently, on other devices. 

In summary - and although the newest equipment could already contain the new labels since November 2020 -, these are the devices with the new EU energy labels: 

• Refrigeration equipment such as refrigerators and freezers, including wine cabinets;
• Washing machines and combined washing and drying machines;
• Dishwashers;
• Electronic displays including televisions, monitors and digital signage displays;

 

Why does a class A+ device now appear with a D classification?

It wasn't just the energy labels that changed on March 1st. The testing procedures were also revised, in order to be more suited to current technologies and requirements. Thus, in the launch phase, the most efficient equipment is located in class B or lower.

However, this does not mean that equipment previously classified as A+++ is inefficient. It is probably a recommended and energy efficient device, but the new classes are much more demanding.

Make a conscious purchase, supported by the energy label note for appliances. If you still have doubts about the energy labels of appliances or any other matter of interest, talk with our team. We promise to respond as soon as possible.