The new energy label

From 2021, the division into energy efficiency classes and the content will change on the EU energy label. The appearance of the label will also be updated. As both technical developments and purchasing behaviour have changed in recent years, an improvement in the current EU energy label is necessary. The new label rescales the energy efficiency classes. Classes higher than A are eliminated (A+, A++, A+++). Classification is now from A to G. The new categorisation is the same for all appliance types and is determined by new measurement methods. The new energy labels were introduced for our washing machines under the best classification of label A in March 2022. The new EU energy label is intended to highlight other variables that play a role in the appliance’s sustainability. For washing machines, for example, the water consumption per wash cycle is indicated. Consumers can find more product information on the EPREL database, to be made available by the EU from 1 March 2021. There you will find data sheets for all electrical appliances and gain a comprehensive insight into each product’s sustainability and resource consumption. The first household appliances with the new label will be washing machines, combined washer-dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers and wine storage appliances. They must carry the new EU energy label from 1 March 2021.

Washing machines

One of the most important changes to the energy label for washing machines concerns the change in the test programme to which all label values refer. For example, energy consumption is based on only 100 washing cycles.. In addition, the Eco 40–60* programme is now measured. This programme is suitable for washing normally soiled textiles made of cotton, linen or mixed fabrics (also in combination), which can be washed at 40°C or 60°C according to the care symbols. The Eco 40–60 programme is the most efficient programme in the combination of energy and water consumption.

Legend:

1. QR code (optional in CH)

2. Energy efficiency class**

3. Weighted energy consumption** in kWh/100 operating cycles (in the Eco 40–60 programme)

4. Maximum load

5. Duration of the Eco 40–60 programme

6. Weighted water consumption** in litres/operating cycle (in the Eco 40–60 programme)

7. Spinning efficiency class**

8. Noise emissions during the spinning cycle, expressed in dB(A) re 1 pW and noise emission class**

*Eco 40–60: To achieve the best energy efficiency, an optimal washing temperature is defined for the programme. This temperature cannot be changed by consumers. The actual washing temperature is indicated in the instructions for use and may differ from the selected washing temperature for energy-saving reasons, depending on the washing machine’s load. The washing effect corresponds to the legal requirements.

** Values are a combination of quarter-, half- and full-load wash cycles

Legende

1. QR-Code (in CH fakultativ)

2. Energieeffizienzklasse**

3. Gewichteter Energieverbrauch** in kWh/100 Betriebszyklen (im Programm Eco 40–60)

4. Maximale Beladungsmenge

5. Dauer des Programms Eco 40–60

6. Gewichteter Wasserverbrauch** in Liter/Betriebszyklus (im Programm Eco 40–60)

7. Schleudereffizienzklasse**

8. Geräuschemissionen während des Schleuderzyklus, ausgedrückt in dB(A) re 1 pW und Geräuschemissionsklasse**

*Eco 40–60: Um die beste Energieeffizienz zu erreichen, wird eine optimale Waschtemperatur für das Programm definiert. Sie kann von den Verbraucherinnen und Verbrauchern nicht geändert werden. Die tatsächliche Waschtemperatur ist in der Gebrauchsanweisung angegeben und kann aus Energiespargründen – abhängig von der Beladungsmenge der Waschmaschine – von der ausgewählten Waschtemperatur abweichen. Die Waschwirkung entspricht den gesetzlichen Vorlagen.

**Werte sind eine Kombination aus Viertel-, Halb- und Vollbeladungs-Waschzyklen

Dishwashers

The classification of dishwashers in energy efficiency classes continues to be based on the Eco programme. This programme is particularly environmentally friendly, ideal for dirty dishes and the most efficient in the energy/water consumption combination. What has changed is the test standard. The measurement should reflect actual usage behaviour as much as possible and therefore cups, pots and plastic utensils, for example, are used when cleaning. What is also new is the indication of the duration of the Eco programme. As with washing machines, the measurement of energy consumption is based on 100 cleaning cycles.

Legend:

1. QR code (optional in CH)

2. Energy efficiency class

3. Energy consumption in kWh/100 operating cycles (in the Eco programme)

4. Number of standard place settings for the Eco programme

5. Water consumption in litres/operating cycle (in the Eco programme)

6. Eco programme duration

7. Noise emissions, expressed in dB(A) re 1 pW, and noise emission class