Electrical products and appliances can vary in their energy efficiency. Understanding the energy label will help you make a better purchase decision.

Energy labelling

Energy labelling was introduced by the EU in the 1990s. It helps consumers like you make a choice based on the relative energy efficiency, energy consumption, and performance of a product in typical operating conditions. By choosing energy efficient products, you are also helping to reduce harmful greenhouse gas emissions.

Manufacturers and retailers are legally required to provide you with information about the energy efficiency of certain products.

How to read energy labels

EU energy labels contain useful information to help guide your purchasing decision. Learn more about the different parts of an energy label below.

Energy scales

The scale on an energy label typically runs from A (dark green) to G (red). ‘A’ rated products are the most energy efficient, and ‘G’ are the least.

Some product types including ovens and heat pumps use ‘old’ style labels which have a scale that extends to A+++ in some instances. These labels are gradually being phased out by the European Commission. Common examples include:

  • ovens, tumble dryers, heat pumps (A+++ to D)
  • solid fuel stove (A++ to G)
  • electric showers (A+ to F)

Examples of energy labels

Exmples of energy labels

Energy consumption

Information about a product's energy consumption can be found just below the A to G scale. This information is important because it tells you how much energy the labeled product is expected to use. Energy consumption can either be expressed per annum or per 100 cycles, depending on the product category.

Energy consumption is expressed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). To calculate a product's running cost, you can multiply the given kWh by the cost of your electricity (currently about €0.40 per kWh). This will give you the product's running costs per annum or per 100 cycles.

For example, if a product uses 464 kWh per annum as in the above example, the calculation would be:

464 x €0.40c = €185.60 per annum

Sometimes, energy efficient appliances can be more expensive to purchase than less energy efficient appliances. However, the savings from an energy efficient product's lower running costs may cost you less over time.

Size of product

When it comes to energy consumption, the size of a product should be considered. For example, an energy efficient, large appliance (e.g. an American style fridge-freezer) could have a better energy efficiency class than a less energy efficient, small fridge-freezer, but still use more energy per annum. It’s important to carefully consider whether you need the larger appliance and pay attention to the energy consumption figure provided.

QR Code

The QR code on the energy label gives access to more product information through the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL). Scan the code to access more product details.

Other useful information

Energy labels contain additional information that can influence your purchasing decision. This includes details like the number of place settings (dishwasher), washing performance (washing machines) and noise (kitchen appliances).

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EU energy labels were rescaled in 2021

Comparing energy labels

Learning how to compare energy labels is important when choosing a new product. The example below compares energy labels for two different freezers. The freezers' energy consumption is compared using the Kilowatts per hour (KWh) information found on the labels.

Energy labels by product

Get more details on how to read energy labels for each product category by clicking the links below:

Report non-compliance

If you wish to report a case of a product being sold without an EU Energy Label or label you suspect to be incorrect, you can complete the below form. Please note that we will not follow up on allegations of non-compliance that are not supported by evidence.