New energy labels for the UK came into effect in March 2021. In this article, we discuss why the energy labels have changed and what it means for consumers.
The European Union introduced energy rating labels way back in 1995 and we became familiar, if not slightly confused by the A+, A++ and A+++ ratings we see on most electrical appliances. The reason that they were introduced was in an effort to drive competition and product innovation as well as to try to reduce consumption and save energy.
However, in March 2021, after leaving the EU, the UK Government were free to redesign the labels and has decided to reset the ratings back to more understandable A to G rating. This measure has been taken with an aim to leave room for product improvement in the future.
Not all appliances are affected though. it appears that the Government are to roll the new energy labels for the UK in product groups initially, whilst keeping some appliances under the old EU rating system for now.
The first group of appliances that will see this change under the new energy labels for the UK
Washing machines, washer-dryers (which will have 2 labels – one for the washer and one for the dryer), dishwashers, fridges, lighting and televisions.
Not only is the label revamped and the energy rating is now indicated using the A to G system, there are a few other changes also, which include a QR code, the energy efficiency scale, the energy consumption in kWh and any extra information that’s required per appliance. Take a look at the old and new versions here.
For example, the new energy labels for the UK for a washing machine would contain:
1. The QR code – this will link to the manufacturer’s website so that the consumer can look at more information relating to the specific product.
2. The energy consumption – this information will now be based on the kWh (kilowatts per hour) or kW per 100 cycles, depending on the product group. The main change here is that the old label displayed the energy consumption as an estimation of usage per year.
3. The extra information space is designed to display information specifically related to that make and model of appliance.
Dishwashers will display the number of place settings, water usage per cycle, duration of the cycle and the noise level.
Fridges will display the capacity of both chilled and frozen compartments in litres, and the noise level it creates
Washing machines will display the drum capacity, the duration of the cycle, water consumption when on an eco-wash programme and the A-G rating of the spin dry cycle and of course, the noise level emitted.
Televisions will now display energy ratings, consumption when displaying high-resolution content, as well as the screen size, height and width in pixels.
The new energy labels for the UK are designed to make things simpler, but also includes more information about the appliance itself. it’s designed to assist in the reduction of energy consumption as well.
The UK Government have no plans at the moment to roll out these new energy labels for the UK to other product groups yet. Indeed, they can stick to these changes, or they can work together with the EU to roll out their new labels or they could just do their own thing and create their own revised energy labels going forward.
We are PowerPoint – Gloucestershire’s Domestic Appliance Specialists for Domestic Appliance Repairs, Spares and Sales on all makes and models of Domestic Electrical Appliances. If you have any questions regarding the new energy labels for the UK or any other query regarding your appliances, then we’d be happy to hear from you on 01452 730 874 or take a look at our website www.powerpointglos.co.uk/