THE NEW ENERGY EFFICIENCY CLASSES

From March 2021 there will be new energy labels and revised energy efficiency classes for household appliances. Here, you will find all relevant information on the subject.

The energy label (or EU label) has provided information on low energy and water consumption data for major domestic appliances since 1996. It is required by law and is shown on the product, both in shops and via websites of retailers.

The energy label is intended to show the customer energy efficiency data at a glance, in order to enable a better comparison with other products.

Over time, household appliances have become more cost and energy efficient. For this reason, the EU label is now being updated.

The European Union has issued a mandatory update of the current energy label for the following product categories:

• Washing machines

• Washer dryer

• Refrigerators / freezers

• Dishwasher

From March 2021, the label alone must be visible on all devices.

Changes in energy efficiency classes

What exactly is changing in the energy efficiency classes?

It's actually quite simple: 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. Due to changed measurement methods, it is not possible to convert the old label to the new label. Only approximate information is possible.

For the time being, the changes will not affect the tumble dryers, ovens and hoods. These are expected to be revised from 2022. So it is quite possible that you will find a C-Class washing machine next to an A +++ dryer.

The European manufacturers association (APPLIA) explains the background of the revision, deadlines, obligation of manufacturers and retailers, the new ecodesign requirements with regards to resource efficiency and the new energy label itself. Consumers will only see the new labels on the devices from March 1, 2021.

The new energy label for dishwashers

1. QR code 2. Energy efficiency class 3. Energy consumption in kWh/year (measured under new standard conditions) 4. Total volume of all frozen compartments 5. Total volume of all unfrozen compartments 6. Noise emissions expresses in dB(A) re 1 pW and noise emission class

The new energy label for refrigerators / freezers

There will also be a QR code on the labels of the refrigerators and freezers, which links to the EU product database EPREL. There you will find further information on the energy label and the product data sheet of the respective device.

The previous plus classes (A +++, A ++ and A +) will no longer apply to the area of cooling and freezing. The available energy efficiency classes then range from A to G. The new energy efficiency class A corresponds to a device with A +++ - 60% according to the previous standard.

As before, the consumption of electricity is reported on an annual basis. A-Ds new noise classes are new in order to make the noise level in dB (A) more transparent.

QR code
Energy efficiency class
Energy consumption in kWh/year (measured under new standard conditions)
Total volume of all frozen compartments
Total volume of all unfrozen compartments
Noise emissions expresses in dB(A) re 1 pW and noise emission class

The new energy label for wine storage appliances

There will also be a QR code on the labels of the wine cooler, which links to the EU product database EPREL. There you will find further information on the energy label and the product data sheet of the respective device.

The previous plus classes (A +++, A ++ and A +) will no longer apply to the area of cooling. The available energy efficiency classes then range from A to G.

As before, the consumption of electricity is reported on an annual basis. A-Ds new noise classes are new in order to make the noise level in dB (A) more transparent.

QR code
Energy efficiency class
Energy consumption in kWh/year (measured under new standard conditions)
Number of standard wine bottles that can be stored
Noise emissions expressed in dB(A) re 1 pW and noise emission class

The ecodesign regulation

In addition to the changed energy efficiency classes, the new eco design regulation also applies from 1st March 2021. This regulates the environmentally friendly design of products, the minimum availability of spare parts and the ability to recycle and repair.

The aim is to reduce the environmental impact of household appliances, taking into account the entire life cycle.

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