May 14, 2021, 12:52 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
When purchasing washing machines, refrigerators, TVs, and other electronic devices, many consumers focus on low energy consumption. However, with TVs, this is almost impossible—they usually come with the worst energy rating. But why?
Some users may have noticed that sometimes two energy labels are included in the boxes of electronic devices. These labels show that a device previously marked with A+++ suddenly has a significantly worse energy rating of C, D, or, in the case of TVs, G. This is due to the introduction of realistic testing procedures and the resulting issuance of new EU energy labels.
New EU Energy Labels Since March 2021
Every electronic device displays its average annual electricity consumption through the EU energy label. This information is crucial for many buyers, as they hope for a lower electricity bill with a more energy-efficient device. Previously, the labels were confusing, ranging from A+++ to D. Sometimes devices received the same good rating of A+++, even though their annual consumption differed by more than 40. The grading was neither particularly precise nor truly understandable for consumers.
But that changed in March 2021. At that time, new EU energy labels came into effect, based on improved measurement methods. As a result, it is common for an electronic device with a previously very good energy efficiency rating to suddenly be rated much worse.
Since March 2021, the new EU energy labels can be found on the following devices:
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines, dryers, and washer-dryers
- Refrigerators and freezers
- TVs and monitors
For lamps or light sources, the transition occurred slightly later, in September 2021. Additionally, new and old labels had to be displayed in parallel for a year and a half. For other device groups such as vacuum cleaners, ovens, air conditioners, etc., the transition to the new EU energy labels is planned by 2030 at the latest.
Also interesting: 6 tips to save electricity at home
Labels Reflect Actual Electricity Consumption
The old labels were introduced in 1995 and revised in 2010 due to improved energy efficiency of devices. However, they no longer accurately reflect the electricity consumption of electronic devices. Strictly speaking, the old labels could be considered misleading, as the methods used to determine annual electricity consumption were no longer practical. Many electronic devices consume more electricity annually than indicated.
The new EU energy labels offer a significant improvement. The tests are now based on realistic everyday situations and can better represent a device’s actual electricity consumption. Devices previously rated with top results are automatically downgraded on the new scale and end up in the middle ranks. This means fewer models crowd the top category, making selection more transparent for consumers.
Also interesting: Does a full refrigerator consume more electricity than an empty one?
For example, refrigerators are opened and closed more frequently during testing, and dishwashers are loaded not only with plates but also with dirty pots and bowls. For washing machines, the energy-saving program is not the standard. The duration of the program for a cycle is also important for the rating. Additionally, testers adjusted the number of wash cycles (washing machine) and rinse cycles (dishwasher) from the previous 220 and 280 to 100 each. This allows consumers to better and more quickly estimate whether these cycles will suffice.