New Appliance Energy Efficiency Ratings Explained
A new energy rating scale came into effect for home appliances in March 2021. Find out what changed.
Just as we got used to A+ or A++ rated appliances, it was all change from 1st March 2021 as a new rating scale came into effect for washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers, refrigerators, wine coolers and of course freezers.
In fact, many appliances carry their new energy rating label alongside the old one.
Problem: The most efficient refrigeration appliances on the market were previously rated A+, A++ or even A+++, adding to the confusion about just what that actually means in terms of energy usage.
New Bands
The efficiency rating bands have therefore been rescaled and revert to A to G, with no plusses in sight!
Looking for a New Freezer?
Interestingly, there is also a new at-a-glance rating for noise produced by the device - in addition to the number of decibels.
Decibels can be a somewhat confusing scale - it measures sound intensity or signal amplitude logarithmically; higher values mean louder sounds, and each 10-decibel rise signifies a tenfold intensity increase.
F is the New A
Most chest freezers that are currently rated as A+ will be classed as F under the new system.
But this isn't as scary as it sounds - although an F rating under the old system is dreadfully inefficient, new E and F classes will still be high efficiency appliances.
Initially A rated appliances will be very rare - generally B will be the highest rating.
We have updated all of our product guides with the new ratings as supplied by the manufacturers.
People Also Ask ...
Large Appliance Facts
- An A+ fridge freezer uses 40% less energy than a similar model from a decade ago
- 85% of the materials in large appliances are recycled
- For every 3 large appliances bought in the UK 2 are recycled
- You may be able to get your local council to pick up your old appliances for free
- Otherwise, most retailers will remove your old freezer for a small extra fee when installing your new one
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