Why have the UK's energy ratings changed?

During the mid-90s, the European Union introduced the standard A to G energy certificate. Then around 2010 energy labels began to include A+, A++ and A+++ to encompass the demand for more energy efficient home appliances.

The more products manufacturers created the harder it then became to distinguish between models, so the EU revised their labels once again.

The scale of A to G replaced the old A+++ to D scale on March 1st 2021 and this affected dishwashers, washing machines, washer-dryers and refrigeration products.

What does this mean for your appliances?

Since today's home / kitchen appliances perform a wide range of functions, the manufacturers must carry-out various tests to calculate exact energy efficiencies. These tests focus on a product's internal components, performance metrics, and underlying technologies, making it much easier for customers to differentiate between the identical models.

New Energy Label - Quick Breakdown

Example: Here's a washing machine's new energy performance certificate from after March 1st 2021 explained:

1. QR code to gain more information about the product.
2. Energy efficiency class of the product.
3. New energy scale A to G.
4. Weighted, energy consumption per 100 cycles(kWh).
5. Duration of the 'eco 40-60' programme.
6. Rated capacity for the 'eco 40-60' programme (kg).
7. Weighted water consumption per cycle (litres).
8. Spin-drying efficiency class.
9. Acoustical noise emissions (db) & noise emission class.