EU Directive 92/75/EC[1] established an energy consumption labeling scheme. The directive was implemented by several other directives[2] thus most white goods, light bulb packaging and cars must have an EU Energy Label clearly displayed when offered for sale or rent. The energy efficiency of the appliance is rated in terms of a set of energy efficiency classes from A to G on the label, A being the most energy efficient, G the least efficient. The labels also give other useful information to the customer as they choose between various models. The information should also be given in catalogues and included by internet retailers on their websites.
In an attempt to keep up with advances in energy efficiency, A+, A++ and A+++ grades were later introduced for refrigeration products.
Directive 92/75/EC was replaced by Directive 2010/30/EU[3] which must be applied from 31 July 2011.
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The energy labels are separated into at least four categories:
Here is the table that indicates the energy use index, the index is calculated for each appliance according to its consumption and its compartments' volume taking into account the appliance type. The index is thus not calculated in kW·h.
| A+++ | A++ | A+ | A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| <22 | <30 | <42 | <55 | <75 | <90 | <100 | <110 | <125 | >125 |
The label also contains:
For cold appliances (and this product alone), for models that are more economical than those of category A, categories A+ and A++ have been assigned.
For washing machines the energy efficiency scale is calculated using a cotton cycle at 60 °C (140 °F) with a maximum declared load. This load is typically 6 kg. The energy efficiency index is in kW·h per kilogramme of washing.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| <0.19 | <0.23 | <0.27 | <0.31 | <0.35 | <0.39 | >0.39 |
The energy label also contains information on:
For tumble dryers the energy efficiency scale is calculated using the cotton drying cycle with a maximum declared load. The energy efficiency index is in kW·h per kilogramme of load. Different scales apply for condenser and vented dryers.
Condenser dryers
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| <0.55 | <0.64 | <0.73 | <0.82 | <0.91 | <1.00 | >1.00 |
Vented dryers
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| <0.51 | <0.59 | <0.67 | <0.75 | <0.83 | <0.91 | >0.91 |
The label also contains:
For combined washer dryers the energy efficiency scale is calculated using the cotton drying cycle with a maximum declared load. The energy efficiency index is in kW·h per kilogramme of load. Different scales apply for condenser and vented dryers.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| <0.68 | <0.81 | <0.93 | <1.05 | <1.17 | <1.29 | >1.29 |
The label also contains:
The energy efficiency is calculated according to the number of place settings. For the most common size of appliance, the 12 place setting machine the following classes apply. The unit is expressed in kW·h per 12 place settings.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| <1.06 | <1.25 | <1.45 | <1.65 | <1.85 | <2.05 | >2.05 |
The label also contains:
The label also contains:
The directive applies only to units under 12 kW. On every label, you will find:
For air conditioners with heating capability, you will also find:
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G | |
| Cooling EER W/W | >3.2 | 3.0–3.2 | 2.8–3.0 | 2.6–2.8 | 2.4–2.6 | 2.2–2.4 | <2.2 |
| Heating COP W/W | >3.6 | 3.4–3.6 | 3.2–3.4 | 2.8–3.2 | 2.6–2.8 | 2.4–2.6 | <2.4 |
Note that there exists units with EER and COP > 5, so take a note of the actual number when it is A rated.
On every label, you will find:
According to the lightbulb's electrical consumption relative to a standard (GLS or incandescent), the lightbulb is in one of the following classes[4]:
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| 20–50% | 50–75% | 75–90% | 90–100% | 100–110% | 110–125% | >125% |
New standards that televisions need to meet for the Energy Star efficiency rating came into effect early in September 2009.[5]
For motor-vehicle it isn't electrical efficiency that is indicated but carbon dioxide emissions in grammes per kilometre travelled.
| A | B | C | D | E | F | G |
| <100 | <120 | <140 | <160 | <200 | <250 | >250 |
Other information that is indexed for the energy label is: