Energy Ratings Explained - Everything you need to know.

What Are Energy Ratings?

Before we learn more about energy ratings, let's take a closer look at what they are. When we talk about energy ratings, we're talking about a scale that shows how much energy an appliance uses and how efficient it is when compared to similar products. These ratings make it easy to compare products and see which ones will save you money on your energy bills and reduce your impact on the environment.

In the UK, energy ratings are graded on a scale from A to G, with A being the most efficient (labelled in green) and G being the least (red on the label). Some appliances also have older A+ options still in place. Energy ratings are there to help you compare brands.

They have additional information on the label, such as annual energy consumption, noise levels and water use, depending on the type of appliance.

How Do Energy Ratings Work?

So, how do energy ratings work, and what does it all mean? Energy ratings measure how much energy your new appliance uses under standard conditions. This is ranked from A - G, with A being the most efficient and G being the least.

The energy label is colour-coded green to red, making it easier to see at a glance which is good and which is not so good. Additional details on the energy rating label include annual electricity use in kilowatt-hours, water consumption, or noise levels, depending on the type of product

Why Do Appliances Need Energy Ratings?

Here are a few reasons why we need energy ratings:

• Consumer awareness and choice:

  Energy labels (from A-G) make it easy for buyers to compare appliances at a glance, to choose ones that will save money in the long run.

• Lower running costs:

  Efficient appliances use less electricity, which directly reduces household energy bills.

• Environmental impact:

  Energy ratings encourage the use of appliances that consume less power, which helps cut greenhouse gas emissions.

• Market standards and fairness:

  Ratings create a level-playing field for manufacturers—products will be judged by the same criteria.

• Regulatory compliance:

  Energy ratings ensure appliances meet energy efficiency standards before making it to market.

• Encouraging innovation:

  Better ratings for higher efficiency appliances mean manufacturers are incentivised to develop eco-friendly technologies.

How to Choose An Energy-Efficient Appliance

If you're wondering how to choose an energy-efficient appliance, here are a few tips:

• Check the rating:

  Look for appliances that are rated closer to A than A-G.

• Compare running costs:

  Review annual energy use (kWh) on the label to see how much your appliance will cost to run.

• Size matters:

  Choose the right capacity appliance for your household. A more compact appliance will use less energy overall.

• Look at extra features:

  Settings like eco-mode, quick wash cycles, and smart sensors can reduce energy and water usage.

• Upfront costs vs. lifetime savings:

  An efficient model might cost more upfront, but it often means lower bills in the long run.

A History of Energy Ratings

Energy labels were originally introduced back in the '90s to make people aware of how efficient an appliance was. It wasn't long until technology caught up, causing them to be updated to include three new energy classes back in 2011.

In recent years, it became incredibly clear that this scale no longer worked, with the least efficient products being A and A+ rated as opposed to C and D rated. The conflict here was that many consumers believed that just because they were A-rated or A+ rated, they were some of the most efficient appliances on the market. This just wasn't the case.

How Have Energy Ratings Changed?

Energy ratings have changed over the last few years to make it easier for consumers to work out how efficient an appliance is. Here are a few features of the updated energy ratings:

• New Scale:

  All labels run from A to G, whereas old labels ran between A+++ to D. This applies to refrigerators, washing machines, washer dryers, wine coolers and dishwashers to begin with.

• QR Code:

  Each new label now shows a QR code in the top right-hand corner, which you can view using your phone. This allows you to find out more information about that appliance and its energy rating.

• Simplified Icons:

  There are redesigned icons - changing depending on the appliance type, to make it simpler to understand the product's features and their efficiency.
  - For example, new dishwasher label measurements feature energy consumption based on Eco mode per 100 cycles (rather than per annum). They also show the water consumption measured per cycle and the overall duration of the Eco cycle.

• Union Jack:

  The Union Jack will now show rather than the EU flag to represent the UK leaving the EU.

Why Do the Ratings Seem So Low?

Your household appliances aren't any less efficient than before; they are just rated slightly differently. The newer label system also makes it much harder for appliances to be A or B rated, meaning that these categories on our site and many others might seem bare.

Inevitably, in today's constantly changing world, the top energy classes will fill up once again in the coming years. Another rescaling will then take place.

Get In Touch

Here at Marks Electrical we understand that change can be confusing. This is why we have a fantastic customer service team able to answer any questions you may have - 7 days a week.

You can call us on 0116 251 5515 or send an email to sales@markselectrical.co.uk