As from 1 March 2021, changes to the European Union ENERGY efficiency label in several categories of household appliances whose products have already been placed on the double label since 1 November of that year will enter into force. How to further focus on the product range and select energy-efficient household appliances?

Why change?

The aim of the new label is to help consumers better identify the differences between technologically advanced household products. The higher the performance is on a day-to-day device, the less it will consume resources – electricity, water and even the detergents that can be added, so that it is more friendly for both our wallet and the environment.

The change will affect washing machines, washing machines with drier, dishwasher and cooling equipment, and these product categories should be in trade with double label as from 1 November of that year: both the old and the new ones. In turn, the complete transfer to the new label will take place from 1 March of the following year.

The current EU energy efficiency label was gradually introduced from 1994 to 2004. It is widely recognized and used throughout Europe: 8 out of 10 consumers are taken into account when purchasing household appliances[1]. The single system gives consumers the opportunity to make informed choices about efficient and sustainable domestic appliances. Today, however, most devices are in higher classes and there are no longer products that correspond to lower classes. This outcome is positive, but it makes it difficult to find the best products.

How is the new label created?

When building the new energy efficiency label scale, performance indicators have been modified, more stringent ecodesign requirements and new performance elements have been introduced and a new test method has been used. In addition, in order to avoid further scale changes, the criteria for classes A to G will be reviewed regularly in line with technological and market developments.

The current label has four different classes: from A to A + + +, which is embarrassing because it does not provide a scale for high, medium and low energy classes. Therefore, the new scale foresees that existing devices will be transferred to lower classes, falling from A to G class, while A +, A + + and A + + + classes will be eliminated. It is also important that only a couple of installations will be in class, thus leaving a free space for future technological development.

It is important to mention that the lower class will not change the energy consumption of the machine, the performance of the device will remain unchanged, only its rating will change, i.e. the letter on the label label.

What should be taken into account when choosing a new household technique?

When purchasing a device from the affected categories of household appliances, washing machines, washing machines with dryers, dishwasher machines and cooling equipment, it is recommended that it be thoroughly acquainted with its capabilities and technical specification so that it complies with your requirements and needs.