The existing energy labeling involves the use of Latin alphabet characters from A to G to designate the energy saving brand of a particular device. We talked about this in detail in the article "From A +++ to G: energy efficiency classes of household appliances". However, a situation has developed in the modern market when equipment of the highest energy efficiency class A (with one, two or three plus signs) has remained in use. The remaining classes have almost ceased to be used, which makes it difficult for consumers to correctly interpret products.

In order for the marking to continue to fulfill its role, they decided to re-evaluate it. The new scale returns to the historical designations from A to G, but the very principle of calculating the energy efficiency class is changed. Henceforth, it is determined for a specific number of times of use per year.

Washers, dishwashers and refrigerators will be the first to be labeled in a new way.

First of all, new gradations of energy efficiency class are introduced for washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators and freezers, TVs. This has already happened since March 1, 2021. From September 1, the innovation will affect light bulbs. And from 2022, it will be gradually introduced for other groups of electrical appliances.

Overrated scale from A to G

According to the new procedure, marking A will not be assigned to any goods yet. She was left for future achievements in the field of energy saving. In categories B and C, products were transferred that, according to the previous system, corresponded to the A +++ marking. Products labeled A ++ and A + will be distributed between categories D and E. G remains the lowest energy efficiency class.

New calculation method

The method of calculating the consumption of electricity by goods has also been revised. The kilowatt-hours indicated in the energy label are calculated for a certain number of times of use per year. Take, for example, the washing machine unit. If earlier electricity consumption per year was considered for them (about 220 cycles of use), now it is determined for 100 washing cycles according to the Eco programme.

The washing machine label also indicates the maximum capacity, the duration of the Eco programme, the expected water consumption in liters per cycle of the Eco programme, the level of return of the spin programme, the noise level during the spin cycle in decibels.

New label on the board of washing machines.

Washer-dryers are now marked with a dual-scale energy label. One part of it displays information about the energy efficiency of the device during the full cycle of use, the other — only when washing. The label indicates the expected energy consumption per 100 cycles of operation, the capacity of the machine, the water consumption, the duration of the complete washing and drying cycle, the duration of the Eco programme, the spin and noise levels.

The energy rating of washer-dryers is indicated for a full cycle of work and washing separately.

The energy label on board dishwashers contains information about the weighted average electricity consumption for 100 cycles of the Eco programme, the regular load of dishes, the average water consumption per cycle, the duration of the Eco programme and the noise level.

A brand new sticker for the dishwasher guard.

For refrigerators(including wine refrigerators), the energy consumption of the device for the year is still given. However, the category was re-evaluated classes. The sticker says about the volume of the freezer compartment, the total volume of the refrigeration compartments and zero zones, the noise level and the noise class.

Marking in a new way refrigerators and wine cabinets.

For TVs in the old labeling, annual consumption was indicated at the rate of 4 hours of operation per day. In the new gradation, it is determined for 1000 hours of use.

Energy labeling of TV panels.

A new mandatory attribute of energy labeling is a QR code on the label, which provides an opportunity to get acquainted with additional information about the selected product.

Devices with the newly branded G mark have been banned from entering the market of the countries of the European Union since March 1, 2021. And from March 1, 2024, household appliances of energy efficiency class F will also be banned. It is expected that the tightening of energy consumption requirements will significantly reduce energy costs.

In parallel with the introduction of overvalued energy labeling, the theses regarding ensuring the maintainability of household appliances were brought to life. So, for refrigerators, the necessary spare parts must be available for at least 7 years from the date of production, and door sealing rubber for 10 years at all. For washing machines, washer dryers and dishwashers, replacement parts must be available for 10 years. Throughout this period, the manufacturer is obliged to ensure that the required part is delivered within 15 working days, and its replacement must be carried out without causing permanent damage to the household appliance, which supports the circular economy.

The redesigned unified energy labeling system allows consumers to make an informed choice in favor of efficient and economical equipment.