Energy Label
Technological development over the past few years has resulted in a higher concentration of products that were carrying labels with a value of A+ or better. Consequently, the label with the A+++ to D scale had not been fulfilling its original function as an aid for making purchasing decisions as well as it had done formerly. Other basic conditions like user behaviour have also changed. That’s why it was time to adapt the energy label. The first appliances to have the new label are washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers, cooling appliances and wine cabinets. The new label has been appearing on these products since 1st March 2021.
The most significant change in the new energy labels is the elimination of the energy efficiency plus classes, for example A+++.Classification is now from A to G. New methods are also being used for measuring energy consumption and determining the label class. The new specifications take into account real-life usage of the product as much as possible and reflect average consumer behaviour.
For clearer reflection of your appliance efficiency
Washing machines
One of the major changes in the Energy Label for washing machines is the change in the test program to which all label values refer. Like for example the energy consumption which will be based on 100 wash cycles. The new “Eco 40-60”* program is suitable for cleaning normally soiled fabrics made of cotton, linen or mixed fibres which, based on their care symbol, are washable at 40°C or 60°C. The fabrics named may be combined in this wash cycle. The “Eco 40-60” program is the most efficient program in the combination “energy and water consumption”.
1 QR code
2 Energy efficiency class**
3 Weighted energy consumption** in kWh/100 operating cycles (in Eco 40-60 program)
4 Maximum load capacity
5 Duration of “Eco 40-60” program
6 Weighted water consumption** in liters/operating cycle (in Eco 40-60 program)
7 Spin efficiency class**
8 Noise emissions during spin cycle expressed in dB(A) re 1 PW and noise emission class**
* Eco 40-60: In order to achieve optimal energy efficiency, an optimal washing temperature is defined for this programme. This temperature can’t be changed by the customer. The actual washing temperature is specified in the user manual and, depending on the load size, may deviate from the selected washing temperature for reasons of saving energy. Washing performance complies with legal requirements.
** Values apply to quarter, half and full loads.
Washer Dryers
The current Energy Label for washer-dryers has not been revised since it was first introduced in 1996, which is why it still shows the original scale of A to G. Because washer-dryers are more frequently used just for washing, the label is divided into two parts. The left side of the label specifies the values for the complete “wash and dry” operating cycle. The right side of the label shows the values for the wash cycle alone. The values to be specified on this label for the wash cycle alone reflect the changes in mandatory information for the new washing machine label.
1 QR code
2 Energy efficiency class* (complete operating cycle)
3 Energy efficiency class* (wash cycle)
4 Weighted energy consumption* in kWh/100 cycles (complete operating cycle**)
5 Weighted energy consumption* in kWh/100 cycles (wash cycle)
6 Maximum load capacity (complete operating cycle**)
7 Maximum load capacity (wash cycle)
8 Weighted water consumption* in liters/operating cycle (complete operating cycle**)
9 Weighted water consumption* in liters/operating cycle (wash cycle)
10 Program duration (complete operating cycle)
11 Duration of “Eco 40-60” program
12 Spin efficiency class*
13 Noise emissions during spin cycle expressed in dB(A) re 1 PW and noise emission class
* Values apply to washing quarter, half and full load. While washing and drying to half and full load.
** Wash and dry
Dryers
The energy label for tumble dryers will have a new, simplified design. The most important change is the revision of the energy-efficiency classes: the old A+++–D scale is replaced by a clear A–G scale.
Measurements on the label are still based on the proven eco program, but updated calculation methods now show energy consumption per 100 drying cycles rather than per year, making it easier to understand.
In addition, noise classes A–D supplement the familiar dB value to simplify loudness comparisons, and requirements for condensation efficiency have been tightened. The label also introduces a repairability class (A = very easy to repair, E = poor) that indicates how easy a device is to repair; evaluation covers factors such as ease of disassembly, availability of spare parts and the provision of repair instructions.
1 QR code linking to the EU product database
2 Energy efficiency class (A–G)
3 Energy consumption in kWh per 100 drying cycles*
4 Repairability class (A–E)
5 Condensation efficiency class (A–D)
6 Noise emission class (A–D) and noise value in dB(A)**
7 Maximum load capacity (rated capacity in kg)**
8 Program duration in hours and minutes [h:min]**
*Values apply to the weighted average of half and full loads with a ratio of 0.62 (24 × full load, 76 × half load).
** Drying cycle of the eco program at full load.
Dishwashers
The energy efficiency class for dishwashers is based on the “Eco” program and the EU Regulation for energy efficiency classes. For example, cups, pots and plastic utensils are used to determine cleaning and drying performance. The Eco 50°C program is ideal for normally soiled dishes and is the most efficient program regarding energy and water consumption. As with washing machines and tumble dryers the energy consumption is based on 100 cleaning cycles.
1 QR code
2 Energy efficiency class
3 Energy consumption in kWh/100 operating cycles (in Eco program)
4 Number of standard place settings for the Eco program
5 Water consumption in litres/operating cycle (in Eco program)
6 Duration of the “Eco” program
7 Noise emissions expressed in (dB(A) re 1 PW) and noise emission class
Fridges and freezers
The energy efficiency class is determined by a comprehensive procedure that takes into account the appliance's type, its operating principle, the ambient room temperature, as well as the number and size of the storage compartments. In addition to this classification, the energy label specifies the annual energy consumption in kWh (“annum”). It also provides clear information on the total volume of all refrigerator and freezer compartments and details the appliance's noise emissions and its corresponding noise emission class.
1 QR code
2 Energy efficiency class
3 Energy consumption in kWh/year (measured under new standard conditions)
4 Total volume of all freezer compartments
5 Total volume of all refrigerator compartments
6 Noise emissions expressed in dB(A) re 1 PW and noise emission class
Wine Coolers
The energy label for wine coolers indicates the appliance's energy efficiency class. It also features a QR code, which provides access to more detailed product information. The label specifies the annual energy consumption, the number of standard wine bottles that can be stored, and includes information on the cooler's noise emissions and its designated noise emission class.
1 QR code
2 Energy efficiency class
3 Energy consumption in kWh/year (measured under new standard conditions)
4 Number of standard wine bottles that can be stored
5 Noise emissions expressed in dB(A) re 1 PW and noise emission class
Ovens
The Energy Label displays the energy consumption while baking in two different heating modes: with hotair or with top-/bottom heat. Beside the consumption, also the volume of the cavity is mentioned.
1 Energy efficiency class
2 Energy source: electricity
3 Cavity capacity
4 Energy consumption in kWh/cycle (top-/bottom heat)
5 Energy consumption in kWh/cycle (hotair)
