What does energy class mean?

Energy class is a term used for household appliances. It is likely that each of us has come across it. In theory, understanding the energy class seems perfectly logical and intuitive. After all, the energy label clearly indicates the highest class and the classification of the appliance… However, correctly understanding energy efficiency ratings is not as simple as it may seem! Especially since, starting from this year, the European Union has introduced new labels with new scale designations! Don’t know how to make sense of all this? Our article will help you!

What is the Energy Efficiency Class All About?

Adorned with colorful stripes, energy labels are familiar to everyone. But do we truly understand what these labels represent and how they should influence our purchasing decisions? Let’s start by explaining what the energy efficiency class actually means. It indicates the amount of resources, such as electricity or water, that a particular appliance consumes annually. The higher the energy class of an appliance, the more efficient it is. So, is it always advisable to buy appliances with the highest energy efficiency? The answer is not as straightforward, and we will delve into the details later in the article!

Which Appliances Have Energy Efficiency Ratings?

Energy efficiency ratings are assigned to specific household appliances. Here is a comprehensive list of them:

• Refrigerators
• Freezers
• Washing machines
• Clothes dryers
• Dishwashers
• Stoves and ovens
• Hoods
• Vacuum cleaners
• Light bulbs
• Air conditioners
• Televisions

How is the Energy Efficiency Class Determined?

Each manufacturer is obligated to measure the energy consumption of the equipment they offer in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. This requirement is set by EU directives to provide consumers with the ability to compare different models and calculate their potential electricity costs before making a purchase. Tests to determine the energy efficiency class are conducted in laboratory conditions, simulating the most typical usage scenarios for each type of equipment. These measurements enable the determination of the average annual energy consumption for a specific appliance, such as a washing machine or refrigerator. The results are then displayed on well-known labels.

Energy Efficiency Class vs. Real Annual Power Consumption

Is the actual energy consumption always the same as indicated by the energy efficiency class? Not necessarily! The measurements provided on the label are based on average values. For example, the energy consumption of a washing machine may be tested for one specific mode, three times a week. However, using the appliance more frequently or opting for higher wash temperatures can impact its energy consumption.

In the case of refrigerators, even the placement of the appliance can affect energy consumption. If your refrigerator is located in a sunny kitchen, exposed to direct sunlight, it will need to work harder to maintain the desired temperature, resulting in higher electricity consumption.

Therefore, it’s important to remember that the label provides an average value of energy efficiency for the device, but individual usage patterns can influence actual energy consumption.

What is the Best Energy Efficiency Class?

The best class is the one that consumes the least electricity. The labeling depends on whether we are referring to the old label or the new energy class. The new energy class has been in effect since spring 2021 and brings some changes to the description of energy classes.

However, there are still many appliances labeled under the old rules. In this case, the efficiency scale consists of 10 classes marked with letters from A+++ to G. These labels were always easy to read and provided an intuitive understanding of the characteristics of the chosen equipment. The highest class, A+++, represented the lowest level of energy consumption.

It’s important to note that in 2017, there was a slight change in the description of energy classes for vacuum cleaners and washing machines. The lowest values, represented by the letters E, F, and G, were removed from the scale.

What Changes with the New Energy Label?

The introduction of new energy-saving designations on labels may initially be confusing for many. Especially since the highest category, A+++, will now be marked differently! So why was this change made? It is intended to provide a clearer classification of appliances and align the descriptions with current parameters. The new scale no longer includes “pluses” to enhance readability. Furthermore, as technology advances, adding more pluses would eventually become impractical.

Energy Classes – New Designations

Determining the highest energy class in the new scale can be quite confusing. Although it still uses similar designations (from A to G), the new classification takes a different approach. The most energy-efficient appliances will now receive a C or B classification! This is the most significant difference between the “old” and “new” labels. Why the change? The decision was made to reserve the highest energy consumption classes for even more economical technologies that are expected to be developed in the coming years.

New Pictograms and QR Codes

The new energy label will feature updated pictograms to provide a clear and visual description of the appliance’s features. Additionally, QR codes will be included, allowing access to more detailed product information in EPREL. This information will help in comparing each parameter of the devices, enabling consumers to choose the model that best meets their expectations.

Noise Class Scale and New Calculation Rules

Alongside simplifying the scale for electricity consumption, a new parameter will be introduced in the appliance chart: noise level. This change will likely appeal to consumers who want to know if the device is noisy before making a purchase decision.

The calculation methods will also change, initially for washing machines and dishwashers. These innovations are expected to provide even more precise and reliable data on the energy efficiency of products.

Which appliances include the new energy classes?

The European Union directives have introduced a new label classification for selected consumer electronics and household appliances. While it may be expanded in the future, as of March 2021, the new scale covers the following appliances:

• Washing machines
• Washer dryers
• Refrigerators and freezers
• Wine refrigerators
• Dishwashers
• Televisions and electronic displays
• Lamps (especially LED) and other light sources

Differences between classes

We already know how the most energy-efficient equipment is labeled. However, let’s discuss the power consumption of specific energy classes and the values that differentiate each class. We’ll provide examples using popular household appliances labeled under the old energy class:

• Dishwasher: The most energy-efficient models (A+++) consume around 180 kWh of energy per year, resulting in total operating costs of about $120-140. An A+ dishwasher (also among the highest) will consume 310 kWh of electricity per year, leading to electricity costs of at least $215. This means that with an A+++ model, you can save over $3,000 in 10 years.
• Washing machine: An A+++ washing machine has an annual energy consumption of 120 kWh, costing approximately $82. An A+ rated appliance will consume 190 kWh per year, resulting in a bill of about $131.
• Refrigerator: An A+++ energy-efficient refrigerator requires around 180 kWh per year to properly cool your food, with operating costs of about $125. For slightly less efficient A+ refrigerators, the annual electricity consumption will be 310 kWh, resulting in higher electricity fees of about $214.

Energy Class – Which One to Choose?

Choosing appliances with the highest energy class usually pays off. A higher class is particularly beneficial for equipment that is expected to serve us for several years, such as refrigerators. Appliances with the best energy class help save a significant amount on electricity consumption, resulting in long-term bill savings.

Apart from cost savings, high energy class appliances also offer another important advantage – they are environmentally friendly. So if your goal is not only to save money but also to contribute to a greener planet, look for products with the highest level of energy efficiency.

Is the highest energy class always worth it?

A high energy class means lower power consumption and, therefore, lower electricity bills. However, it’s important to consider another factor – the price difference between the most energy-efficient appliances and those with lower classes. While energy-efficient equipment consumes less electricity, the price difference can be significant. Therefore, it’s essential to assess whether it’s always worth investing in more expensive models.

Consider your needs and usage

The decision depends on the type of equipment you plan to buy and your lifestyle. If the household appliances will be frequently or daily used, opting for a higher energy class is a sensible choice. However, for less frequently used appliances, the investment in more expensive equipment may only pay off after a few years or not at all.

How to Match the Class to the Equipment?

Let’s delve into the matter in more detail. Suppose we are planning to purchase a washing machine. If we have a large family with children, it’s likely that we do laundry quite frequently, perhaps even daily. This results in increased electricity and water consumption. In such a scenario, investing in a higher energy class appliance is fully justified. However, if you are a single person who does laundry once a week and occasionally relies on laundry services for certain garments, you can opt for a cheaper, less energy-efficient model. After all, buying a more expensive appliance won’t significantly impact your quality of life or bills. It allows you to avoid a one-time substantial expense.

Energy Class Based on Equipment Usage Frequency

We should also consider the frequency of equipment usage. If an appliance operates frequently, opting for the highest energy class will quickly pay off the investment in a more expensive model. This applies not only to refrigerators mentioned earlier but also to light bulbs. After all, we keep the lights on for extended periods, especially during winter evenings. Investing in energy-efficient LED bulbs will result in long-term bill savings.

However, when it comes to equipment used infrequently or occasionally, such as an occasional hair curler, the temporary higher energy consumption of that particular device is unlikely to have a significant financial impact. Therefore, purchasing a cheaper model with a lower energy class is a more practical way to seek savings in this case.

Cost-effectiveness of Energy Classes

In conclusion, appliances with high energy classes are typically more expensive. While they consume significantly less electricity than their “inferior” counterparts, it takes regular usage and a longer period of time for the initial investment to pay off. It is advisable for individuals to perform their own calculations and assessments to make an informed decision on the most suitable energy class.

Environmental Considerations

Another aspect of energy classes is their impact on the environment. Higher energy classes are more environmentally friendly. As our society becomes increasingly conscious of environmental issues, consumer choices are not solely driven by seeking maximum savings. Many individuals are making environmentally conscious decisions. If you are one of these individuals, prioritize A+++ or C/B class appliances (according to the new labels) in your home.

The Infamous Energy Label…

We hope that after reading our article, energy classes and the energy label are no longer intimidating to you. You now understand how the new label is structured and how to compare the energy efficiency of different appliances. If you are considering purchasing new household appliances and are seeking a reliable source of information on the best models, check out our rankings! There, you will find valuable information about the most popular household appliances, helping you determine which models are the best on the market.