The final format and visual identity of the new labels for the above product groups and for ‘refrigerating appliances with a direct sales function’ were adopted by the Commission on 11 March 2019.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice
Initially, five product groups will receive new labels with a new scale. Other products with an energy label will follow suit, and all energy labelled products will receive the new label within the next few years.
More info here.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice
Changed test and calculation methods that better reflect actual use, as well as new boundaries between the energy classes, mean that it is not possible to compare directly new and old scales. It is not automatic that a particular energy class on the old label corresponds to a specific energy class on the new one. Here there are also variations between the different product groups.
More info here.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice
This varies slightly between different product groups. For refrigeration appliances, a product with C may use more than 50% more electricity than a product with an A.
More info here.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice
When you’re buying a new appliance for your home, look for its energy label. The energy label tells you how much energy that appliance uses, comparing it to similar appliances. This can help you find appliances that use the least amount of energy.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice
By scanning a QR code in the upper right corner of the label, consumers will have access to more detailed product information in the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling, called EPREL.
The EPREL database will also help national market surveillance authorities to verify that the products comply with requirements on energy efficiency and that the information on the label is correct.
More info here.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice
A product high up on the energy scale uses less electricity and is less harmful to the environment. Overall, taking into account the information provided by energy labels can provide large energy savings to end-users.
In addition, the energy label and associated product information sheet provide useful information, for example sound level, size/capacity, water consumption and duration of the programmes of washing machines.
More info here.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice
This may be due to a technical error or that the manufacturer has not registered the product in the product database.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice
Save Money and Energy
Using energy-efficient appliances is a great way to lower your utility bills. Energy cost makes up a considerable amount of a homeowner’s monthly expenses. Eco-friendly appliances use less electricity and other resources to reduce your monthly expenses.
Help Stabilize Utility Rates
Eco-friendly appliances can also keep your utility bills more stable. Energy rates often differ depending on the time of the year or the environmental conditions affecting the country. For example, a drought can cause water usage rates to go up, and electricity rates often increase in the summer. By using appliances that already consume the lowest amount of resources regularly, rate increases will not affect you as much as others.
Protect the environment
Protecting the environment is significant to a lot of people. A great way to do your part in protecting the environment is to use energy-saving devices. The use of electricity causes the release of carbon dioxide gas into the air. Unfortunately, carbon dioxide contributes to global warming. Homes that use energy-efficient appliances can reduce or prevent Greenhouse Emissions because they use less energy than traditional appliances.
Save Water
Water is a valuable resource to the environment. Conserving water is essential to keeping water safe and plentiful. Using energy-efficient appliances is a great way to save water and lower your utility bills at the same time. Some older model toilets use as much as 5 to 7 gallons of water per flush. An updated eco-friendly toilet model uses less than 2 gallons per flush.
Carbon Footprint
Making changes to reduce our carbon footprint can also have a positive effect on us. When we help ourselves and others, it makes us feel strong and empowered. Saving money also causes you to feel happier because you can afford to buy or do more things you enjoy.
Inspire others
People who want to make a difference but do not know-how. Making small changes such as adding more environmentally friendly devices to your home can inspire others to do the same. When friends and family learn about the benefits of operating energy-efficient appliances and the amount of money you save, they may want to replace some appliances of their own. If everyone does a little to reduce carbon footprints, it can make a huge difference for future generations.
Return on Investment
The price of environmentally friendly appliances may scare some people, but the cost should be seen as an investment instead. Besides saving money on your utility bills, you may also qualify for rebates. There are various rebates available from states, the brand that manufactured your appliance, and even your electric company. There is even a possibility to get income tax credits on some of the devices you purchase. Be sure to do your research and see what is available for your situation.
Increase Value of Home
Your home will be more valuable with eco-friendly appliances. Millions of people are becoming aware of global warming and want to prevent greenhouse emissions. Homes with low-carb appliances are considered high-end. When they go on the housing market, they sell at a higher price. Homebuyers are willing to pay more because they know they will save money on their utility bills. They also feel good about the purchase because they get to reduce their carbon footprint as well.
Improve Quality of Life
Investing in new eco-friendly appliances can improve the quality of your life. Outdated devices use more energy and take longer to accomplish a task. They also may not produce desirable results. Updating old appliances with energy-saving devices will save you more time and give you better results. With the time you save, you can complete additional chores. Updated devices also come with advanced features for a more enjoyable experience.
Disclaimer: Please note that the European Commission cannot provide a legally binding interpretation of the EU legislation, as this is the sole competence of the European Court of Justice. Any remarks from the European Commission services are without prejudice to the position the Commission might take should related cases arise in a procedure before the Court of Justice