Energy efficiency labels: what they are and what each one means

What are energy efficiency labels?

When you buy a washing machine, dishwasher or TV you pay a great deal of attention to the technical aspects. You become an impromptu expert in washing programmes, inches and resolution. You're also concerned about aesthetics. And naturally you focus on the price.

These are all things that you should do. But if you forget the energy label you are making a mistake that will cost you. Remember that electrical appliances account for 55% of your electricity consumption.

That incomprehensible sticker with an iconography ranging from A to G is not for decorative purposes. Its purpose is to inform you about the consumption of the electrical appliance. And not just of electricity, but also of water and the noise it makes when in use.

Energy labels began to be introduced in 1995, although only for refrigerators, freezers, washing machines and dishwashers. And over the years their use was extended to many other appliances including ovens, televisions and air conditioners.

Today this labelling is mandatory and is regulated by Directive 92/75/CEE of the European Union. They indicate the energy efficiency of every electrical appliance. The greater the efficiency the lower the consumption and, therefore, the bigger the saving on your electricity bill.

What information does the energy efficiency label contain?

The following information should appear on energy efficiency labels:

• 1. Manufacturer.
• 2. Model.
• 3. Energy range.
• 4. Energy efficiency rating.
• 5. Consumption (kWh).
• 6. Capacity (litres) and decibels (dB).
• 7. Regulations.
• 8. QR code with additional product information.

What is the purpose of this labelling and what appliances must carry it?

It provides information about the energy efficiency (electricity and water consumption) of electrical appliances. It is mandatory for refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, electric ovens, televisions and air conditioners. It is also found on lamps and light bulbs.

Energy efficiency label G

The new labelling classes are divided into 7 letters with their corresponding colour. Rating G, with a red colour, indicates that the efficiency of the appliance is very low. This labelling refers to the annual consumption of energy and water, according to the programmes, load or hours of service.

Light bulbs, especially conventional ones, tend to have worse energy efficiency. This is why it is worth switching to LED light bulbs, which can result in energy savings of up to 80%.

Energy efficiency label F

Like G, the dark orange F label indicates low energy efficiency. Both categories are the lowest in the new list and usually correspond to cheaper electrical appliances that are expensive in the long run.

Energy efficiency label E

In the next block, in which the colour is beginning to lighten, is class E with a light orange colour. Efficiency from this block is moderate.This means that it could be better, but energy consumption will be lower than that indicated by the darker shades of red.

Air conditioners are usually labelled E and D, as they are appliances that usually consume a lot of energy and have significant noise levels for these classes.

Energy efficiency label D

Label D, which corresponds to the light yellow colour, falls into the same block of moderate consumption as label E. The differences between these two labels may be small, but energy efficiency levels are higher with the letter D.

Energy efficiency label C

The labels C, B and A, correspond to the old A+, A++ and A+++ ratings, so all the appliances that were in these categories have been reassigned. Those that were previously rated A+ are now rated C     if they meet the new standards. If not, they may now be in the lower D and E categories.

Energy efficiency label B

The class B labels correspond to the former A++ rating. Similarly, electrical appliances that were previously in this category have been divided between the B and C labels, in line with the European Union's new efficiency factors.

Labels B and C can be found on a wide variety of new appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, dryers, etc.

Energy efficiency label A

Finally,  class A+++ has become class A, with no frills. This change means this category has been eased to accommodate those new products that incorporate new efficiency improvements in energy and water use and noise level.

They can be found, for example, on new washing machines.

What has happened to the A+, A++ and A+++ classes?

The aim of the European Union's new regulations for energy labelling is to ensure that consumers can have clear information on the labels of the products that they wish to buy. These changes have been introduced after it was ascertained that the old labelling of A+, A++ and A+++ gave rise to misunderstandings and hindered the purchase of products within this scale.

With classes A, B and C and their respective colours, the message is much clearer and, in addition, the factors that make a product energy efficient are redefined, so producers are obliged to innovate and offer superior quality.

These new labels (A, B and C) not only provide information on the electricity consumption of each product but also provide the consumer with information on water usage, noise emitted and load capacity courtesy of the QR code and the symbols on the new labels.

What appliances consume the most energy in your home?

• Refrigerator: 30.6%.
• Television: 12.2%.
• Washing machine: 11.8%.
• Electric oven: 8.3%.
• Dishwasher: 6.1%.

How much does having maximum efficiency save?

• €52/year: Refrigerator (24 hours a day and 365 days a year).
• €32/year: Washing machine (more than 200 loads/year).
• €27/year: Dishwasher (more than 160 loads/year).

How much can you save with efficient electrical appliances?

If you would like to have control over your electricity consumption, with detailed information and personalised saving tips, InfoEnergía is the ideal solution.

With InfoEnergía you can manage your current consumption and simulate the saving you would make if you changed your appliances for more efficient ones.