Since the turn of the millennium, it has been impossible to imagine electronic appliances without the energy label. Since technology has developed quantum-like during this period, the label has become obsolete, especially in the category of “white goods”. For this reason, the EU has decided that the labels will be replaced as of 01 March 2021 – the previously known categories (A+++, A++) will once again become the original categories A-G. Starting on 18 March 2021, consumers will only find the new energy labels on the market.
What is changing exactly?
In order to reflect the current state of technology better, the previous categories will be adapted to the products. As a result, all products will be reclassified in the course of this adjustment. The highest classification (A) remains empty for the time being due to the expected further development of the technology. Devices that are predicted to have a high level of development will also receive at most the classification in category C. For end users, however, nothing changes in this respect with the exception of the new label, because: The technical data of the appliance remain the same despite the new classification.
In addition to the new efficiency categories, there will be a change in the design of the labels: From 1 March 2021, the labels will contain both new pictograms and a QR code. Compared to the previous energy labels, the selection and design of the pictograms have been renewed. The QR code makes the product even more transparent, especially for end customers: It directs the user to a central product database that provides further information on the characteristics of the appliances. For example Companies can find out the amortize period of a device before buying it and include this information in their purchase decision.
Which product categories are affected?
The change of the label will take place in two phases for the consumer: Starting on 01 March 2021, all dishwashers, washing machines and dryers, refrigerators and freezers, as well as all electronic monitors and televisions will receive their new energy labels by 18 March 2021 at the latest. In the second phase, which will start on 01 September 2021, all labels for light sources will be replaced within 18 months, by 01 March 2023. In two years, all energy-consuming products will have received a new energy efficiency label.
Article image: AdobeStock 391482985
