Buying appliances: what those energy ratings mean
January 2008
Consumers can save money on electricity bills if they consider the energy rating labels on household appliances.
When you are buying a washing machine, dishwasher, fridge or freezer, price isn't the only cost in the long run. Knowing how to compare the energy efficiency of different machines could save you money on your energy bills - and help the environment too.
Energy efficient products don't always cost more than less efficient ones. But even if they do cost slightly more, they could offer substantial long-term savings on your energy bills.
The rating system
Under EU rules, all laundry, dishwashing, and refrigeration products on sale in shops in Ireland must display an energy label. This label shows how much energy the appliance will use for typical tasks, and is made up of about eight separate pieces of information...
1 Manufacturer/model
This shows the manufacturer's name/brand and the specific model name/number.
2 Energy efficiency rating
The machine's energy efficiency is rated from A to G, with A being the most energy efficient and G being the least. So the labels allow you to compare the energy consumption of different models.
The most efficient models - "A" or "B" may cost more to buy but will cost less to run than an "F" or "G" rated appliance.
3 Energy consumption
This is the machine's actual energy consumption in kWh (kilowatt hours) and is the standard unit of electricity used on your electricity bill.
Actual consumption will depend on how you use the appliance, so the label gives some standard guidelines. For example:
- For a washing machine or dishwasher, it will apply for a standard cycle
- For a fridge or freezer, it could be measured in a 24-hour time scale
4-8 Performance
These next sections of the label will be specific to each appliance - for example:
- On a fridge or freezer, it might be the volume of food that can be stored, the star rating for frozen food compartments and the noise
- On a washing machine they might contain information on the spin speed, capacity, water consumption or noise
So the next time you are buying an appliance, take a look at the energy label and choose the most energy-efficient appliance that you can.
Energy labels for homes
It's not only electrical appliances that have energy labels. All newly built homes on sale since January 2007 have had to have an energy rating. And from January 2009, all existing houses being offered either for sale or rent will need to have an energy rating.
This will have to be supplied by the seller or landlord after an energy audit has been done on the property. This means that the energy needs and efficiency of different properties can be compared and that you can find out how a property will perform in heating comfort and cost before you buy or rent it.
Learn more
Read our guide to consumer rights and energy
Find out more about appliance labelling
Learn about Building Energy Ratings (BERs) for homes and some FAQs