An energy efficiency class is a rating system used in the UK and other countries to measure the energy efficiency of household appliances. The system uses a letter scale, ranging from A to G, with A being the most energy-efficient and G being the least.

The rating system is based on the energy consumption of the appliance, with A-rated appliances being the most efficient and G-rated appliances being the least efficient. The rating is calculated using a standard measurement of energy consumption over a set period, such as a year or 1000 hours of use, and is expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh).

The energy efficiency class rating system is used for a range of household appliances, including fridge freezers, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens, and more. The rating allows consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing new appliances, as they can compare the energy consumption of different models and choose the most efficient option.

In addition to the energy class rating, appliances may also carry an Energy Star certification, which is a voluntary program that sets energy efficiency standards for appliances. Energy Star certified appliances have been independently tested and verified to meet these standards, and can be even more efficient than A-rated models.

Overall, the energy class system and Energy Star certification program are important tools in helping consumers make informed choices about the energy consumption of their household appliances. By choosing more energy efficient appliances, consumers can help reduce their energy consumption and lower their energy bills while also benefiting the environment.

Rating labels explained: What do energy efficiency labels mean?

The A-G rating system was introduced in the UK in the 1990s as part of efforts to reduce energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. The rating system provides a simple and easy-to-understand way for consumers to compare the energy efficiency of different appliances and make informed purchasing decisions. Here’s how to meet each label individually:

A Label:

A is the best energy label on the rating scale when it comes to saving money on your energy through domestic appliances. While electricity consumption can vary, there are still a number of appliances available to you to help with the running cost of your home.

To meet the A label, appliances must be highly energy-efficient, using the least amount of energy possible. This can be achieved by choosing appliances that have been specifically designed to be energy-efficient. Look for models that have been awarded an energy rating of A or higher, such as an A+++ rated refrigerator or an A rated washing machine. These appliances will use less energy than less efficient models, which can save you money on your energy bills over time.

B Label:

To meet the class B label, home appliances must be moderately energy-efficient, using less energy than less efficient models. When shopping for appliances with a B rating, choose models that are specifically designed to be easier on your energy use. This could include a B rated dishwasher that has a delay start option or an energy efficient hob that uses induction technology.

C Label:

To meet the C label, appliances must be efficient, but not as much as those with an A or B rating. When shopping for new technology with a C rating, look for models that have been designed to be energy efficient, such as a class C rated tumble dryer with an automatic sensor or a C rated refrigerator that has adjustable shelves to optimize storage space.

D Label:

To meet the D label, how much energy is used should be more than those with a rating like C, B or A.

When shopping for appliances with a D rating, we encourage you to choose models from 2021 onwards that have been designed to be eco friendly, such as a D rated washing machine with a large drum capacity so you can do a full load at one time, or a D rated oven that has a timer function to help you save energy. We can offer a number of energy saving tips just like these in following features, so keep an eye out for much more energy savings through us.

E Label:

To meet the E label, appliances must use even more energy than those with a D rating. When shopping for models with an E rating, look for models that have been designed to be low energy usage, such as an E rated dishwasher that has a low water consumption or an E rated refrigerator that has an energy-saving mode.

F Label:

To meet the F energy efficiency rating, appliances must use even more energy than those with an E rating. When shopping for a model with an F rating, look for models that have been designed to be energy efficient, such as an F rated washing machine that has a low water consumption or an F rated hob that has an energy-saving mode.

G Label:

Bottom of the label, G appliances are known to use the most energy of all the ratings. When shopping for appliances with a G rating, look for models that have been designed to be as energy efficient as possible, such as a G rated tumble dryer that has an automatic sensor or a G rated oven that has an energy-saving mode.

In conclusion, meeting each energy efficiency label from A to G requires different levels of energy efficiency. By choosing appliances that are specifically designed to be efficient and using them in the most efficient way possible, you can save energy and reduce your home energy bills.

Are energy labels the same across the United Kingdom and the European Union?

Since Brexit, the energy labels in the UK and the EU are not the same. The UK has introduced a new energy label design that is different from the EU label. However, both energy rating labels use a similar rating to determine energy-efficient appliances based on their power consumption, from A to G, where A is the most energy-efficient and G is the least efficient.

In addition, the energy efficiency regulations and standards in the UK and EU may also differ, and products that meet the energy efficiency requirements in one market may not necessarily meet the requirements in the other market. Therefore, it is important to pay attention to the specific energy labels and regulations in the market where the product is being sold.