Your Guide to the New Energy Labels being introduced in March 2021
There are many decisions to make when you’re looking to buy a new appliance or electrical item such as size, brand, price amongst many others. However, energy efficiency is something we look at more now and it’s about to change so be prepared.
Since energy labels were introduced, there have been great improvements in energy saving. We all are more aware of what we use and how to reduce our carbon footprint as well as being a bit more savvy when it comes to saving money too. As technology has come a long way in recent years most new appliances are given top ratings efficiency. As a result, the label has been recalibrated to make it easier for you to compare models when purchasing a new appliance.

Why?
In 2020, the UK government introduced a new energy label, By spreading energy performance over a much wider scale, you will find it easier to compare efficiency across products. Plus, it will also set new standards for energy saving appliances, bringing further savings to you as well as meeting environmental commitments set by manufacturers and the Government.
When?
The official switchover date for the new label is 1st March 2021. However, there is a transition period in which both labels will be supplied. This ensures you have the right label which meets the regulations, so you can make an informed decision. Whilst both labels are different, they are both applicable to that product.
What's new?
Examples of the existing label and the new label are shown opposite. The key changes across all product categories are:
- QR Code – Providing instant access to product information
- New Energy Classes – A simple A-G energy classification system
- Simpler Consumption Usage – An easier way to understand energy consumption measurements
- Union Jack flag displayed symbol rather than a European Union flag.
In addition, there are category specific changes which are outlined below.

Washing Machines & Washer Dryers
Over half of all new washing machines placed on the EU market are ranked A+++ making it difficult to differentiate between products.
How will the changes help?
- Fairer Rules – Which will be enforced through more realistic calculations.
- Water Saving – 711 million m3 of water by 2030.
- Energy Saving – 2.5TWh of electricity per year by 2030.
- Household Savings – European households will save an average of €130 in electricity over the lifetime

Refrigeration
Half of domestic refrigeration appliances placed on the market in 2014 could claim one of the top two energy ratings (A++ or A+++).
How will the changes help?
- Fairer Rules – Which will be enforced through more realistic calculations.
- Energy Saving – 10TWh of electricity per year by 2030.
- Household Savings – European households will save an average of €100 in electricity over the lifetime of their new fridge or freezer.

Dishwashers
More than 60% of dishwashers placed on the EU market ranked A+++ or A++ on the label, making it difficult to differentiate between products.
How will the changes help?
- Fairer Rules – Which will be enforced through more realistic calculations.
- Water Saving – 16 million m3 of water by 2030.
- Energy Saving – 2.1TWh of electricity per year by 2030.
- Household Savings – European households will save an average of €60 in electricity over the lifetime of their new dishwasher.

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