Energy labels: What’s changing?

You might have heard that energy labels are changing for some household appliances. ‘How will this affect me?’ You might ask. We’re on hand to talk you through all the important changes and what this means for consumers like yourself in this short blog.

What’s changing?

The good news is, these changes have been made with the consumer in mind. These new energy labels are designed to make it easier to understand just how energy efficient an appliance is. Meaning you can compare similar appliances more easily and work out which is the best model for you.

Why are energy labels changing?

Currently energy ratings range from A+++ to D. Due to the advances in technology, around 80% of appliances on the market are clustered at the top of the scale, making it hard to work out which ones truly have the best rating. Simplifying the scale, new energy labels will range from A to G. There will also be tighter restrictions to ensure it is harder to achieve the top energy rating. Whilst a lot of appliances will rate around the B/C mark, a product with an E/F rating will still be classed as energy efficient. These changes are designed to push manufacturers to strive to create even better, more efficient appliances in the future. Great news for the environment as well as your pocket!

When will the energy label changes happen?

New labels will be displayed on all dishwashers, washing machines, washer dryers, fridges, freezers and wine coolers from 1st March 2021. Other appliances will have their energy labels replaced in 2022.

Is there anything new?

Depending on the type of appliance, there will be new pictograms to reflect new testing methods and features. All appliances with new energy labels will have a noise rating from A-D. You’ll also notice that each energy label now shows a QR code in the top right hand corner. This allows you to scan the code on your phone to find out more information about that particular appliance, handy! Another change is that the Union Jack will now replace the EU flag in the top left corner. This is to represent the UK now having left the European Union.

Laundry Appliance Energy Labels

• The overall energy rating will be based on an Eco 40-60 cycle
• Energy consumption is now based on every 100 cycles rather than per annum
• Water consumption is measured per cycle rather than per annum
• The duration of a full load of washing is now stated, as well as the maximum load capacity in kg
• Two ratings will show for washer dryers; the left rating is for washing and drying and the right is based purely on washing on Eco at 40-60

Dishwasher Energy Labels

The new measurements for dishwasher energy labels will include;

• Energy consumption is based on Eco mode per 100 cycles rather than per annum
• Water consumption is measured per cycle
• The duration of the Eco cycle will feature on the label

Refrigeration Energy Labels

There are new measurements for energy consumption and net volume that will take into account the following;

• The type of model, i.e. fridge, freezer or fridge freezer
• The volume of individual compartments inside the appliance
• Any additional built in technologies
• A wine bottle pictogram will feature on all wine cooler energy labels

More information

You can find out more information on these changes online at Label2020 and The Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliances. Our team of sales advisors are also on hand to help with any questions you may have, give them a call on 0115 965 1937 and they’ll help you choose the perfect appliances for your kitchen.