On 1 March 2021, the energy labels of domestic appliance will change and new labels will start to appear on household washing machines and washer/dryers, dishwashers, fridges and freezers. For these products, the ++ will disappear after the letter, and the rainbow scale will be simplified from A to G. Therefore, a machine rated A+++ before in the past will be rated A/B/C accordingly, on a new label to appear on machines from 1 March 2021. This is because energy consumption will be calculated with a new measurement scale, allowing for greater innovation in the industry. It’s just the label that changes, not the consumption. 

In addition, energy labels will now provide consumers extra information about each appliance. Each label will carry a QR code with more information about its energy efficiency. The QR code means the manufacturer has register the appliance with the European Product Database for Energy Labelling (EPREL). Consumers will be able to search for energy labels and product information sheets.

And a new set of pictograms on the label will give consumers more information about energy and non-energy related aspects of the product. 

• Find out more about what the label change means for you on APPLIA’s dedicated website theenergylabel.eu/