In the household appliances department, do you always check the energy labels on equipment? This is a good thing to do to choose the most economical model. However, this common European energy label will change from March 2021. Don't panic, we'll help you understand the new energy labels in 2021.
What is the energy label?
The energy label is a rating system that identifies the energy performance of certain electrical appliances, including major household appliances. You can quickly compare the energy consumption of the appliances offered at the time of purchase. The ratings, introduced in 1994, range from A (on a green background) for the most efficient, to D or G (on a red background) for the most energy-consuming.
Why is this energy label evolving?
In 2011, the European Commission had decided to introduce a common energy label, including in Switzerland. A system that was intended to be more readable and which introduced classes A +, A ++ and A +++ to separate A equipment, which is becoming more and more numerous thanks to technological advances. However, this classification system is confusing for consumers. It is easy to believe that all A energy class equipment is efficient.
However, an A++ dishwasher can consume about 40% less than an A+ rated appliance. Big difference, hence the need to rethink a new energy label that will emerge from 2021.
The European Energy Label provides standardised information on the energy and water consumption of household appliances to facilitate comparison between different items. However, technology continues to evolve, as does consumption behaviour. It was therefore necessary to review the way in which this information is presented.
What are the differences with the old label?
A return to the origins
To make life easier for consumers, the European Commission has therefore decided to re-use the first ratings from 1994, available from March 2021. The result? Forget the "+" that bothers us, we just keep the letters from A to G. Then, it's the same logic: A for the most economical to G for those who consume more.
A slight subtlety of these energy labels, eligibility for a class now varies over time. Therefore, an appliance purchased in Class A in 2021 may be eligible for Class C in 2030.
The QR Code and the EPREL database
This is one of the great novelties brought by this third generation of the label. Located in the upper right-hand part of the label, the QR Code allows anyone to check the information on the product sheet from their smartphone.
Information recorded since 1 January 2019 by each supplier, whether manufacturer, importer or authorised representative, in a new database designed to increase transparency: the EPREL database.
By scanning the QR code, consumers automatically query the EPREL database. This database will be accessible to everyone from the end of 2020.
The new noise pollution classes
Did you know that the normal intensity of a human voice is around 45 decibels and 85 dB for snoring?
Because nobody wants to hear their washing machine snoring at night, the new label will incorporate a sound perception class indicator rated from A to D in addition to the noise level expressed in decibels existing on the 2020 label.
Other specific developments
Washer-dryers have different specificities compared to other product families, starting with the indication of energy consumption.
The current energy label for washer-dryers has not been changed since its introduction in 1996. It still shows the original scale, which ranges from A to G. Since washer-dryers are often used only for washing, the energy label is now divided into two parts.
The left-hand column shows the values for a complete use cycle (washing and drying). The one on the right shows the values for a single wash cycle. They refer only to cleaning and meet the new mandatory requirements of the new label for washing machines. The Swiss energy efficiency requirements will remain the same as in the EU. Washer-dryers must have at least energy efficiency class G.
- QR code: Link to information on the device in question in the European Energy Signalling Database. Data not mandatory in Switzerland, in the case of imported devices this is of course tolerated accordingly.
- Energy efficiency class (full cycle, washing and drying)
- Energy efficiency class (wash cycle)
- Weighted energy consumption in kWh per 100 cycles (full cycle)
- Weighted energy consumption in kWh per 100 duty cycles (wash cycle)
- Maximum load capacity (full cycle)
- Maximum load capacity (wash cycle)
- Weighted water consumption per use cycle in litres (full cycle)
- Weighted water consumption per use cycle in litres (wash cycle)
- Program duration (full cycle)
- Programme duration (wash cycle) "Eco 40-60".
- Spin efficiency class
- Noise level during spinning expressed in dB(A) re 1 PW and noise level category
What label will we see?
During the transition period from November 1, 2020 to March 1, 2021, you'll probably find both labels on the product packaging.
However, manufacturers do not need to add them systematically during this phase. It is clear that as of November 1, some devices will include the above label or both.
Which products are concerned?
As of March 1, 2021, the following appliances will be covered by this new mandatory energy label:
- dishwasher
- washing machines
- tumble dryer
- refrigerators
- freezers
- lamps and light fixtures.
- TV sets
Other product groups will reach this new label in 2022. These include: vacuum cleaners, air conditioners, water heaters, ovens, extractor hoods and dryers.
In short, we can say that nothing complicated awaits us in 2021: an easier and more understandable energy label!
If you would like more information on this subject, please do not hesitate to contact Hoovernez