Energy labels help you compare the energy use of many household appliances.
However, the letter rating is only part of the story. So, also check the energy-use figure on the label.
What Is an Energy Label?
You will find energy labels on many new appliances.
They give you useful information about the product. This can include:
- its energy rating
- how much energy it uses
- its size or capacity
- noise levels
- water use
The information shown depends on the type of appliance.
So, labels can help you compare similar products before you buy.
What Do the Letters Mean?
Many energy labels use a scale from:
A → most efficient
to
G → least efficient
An appliance with a better rating uses energy more efficiently than a similar appliance with a worse rating.
However, that does not always mean it uses less energy overall.
The size of the appliance matters too.
Check Energy Use
This is one of the most useful figures on the label.
It may be shown as kWh, which means kilowatt-hours.
A kilowatt-hour is a unit of energy.
In simple terms:
More kWh = more energy used
So, when comparing two similar appliances, check the kWh figure as well as the letter rating.
Why Size Matters
Imagine you are comparing two fridges.
A large fridge may have a good energy rating. However, it may still use more electricity than a smaller fridge with a lower rating.
That is because it has more space to keep cold.
So, ask two questions:
How efficient is it?
and
How much energy does it actually use?
Both matter.
Compare Like With Like
Energy labels are most useful when you compare products that do the same job.
For example, compare:
- similar-sized fridges
- similar washing-machine capacities
- similar televisions
- similar dishwashers
Otherwise, the comparison can be misleading.
A very large appliance and a small appliance may have very different energy needs.
So, first choose the size and features you need. Then compare energy use.
Energy Use May Be Shown Differently
Not every label shows energy use in the same way.
Depending on the product, you may see energy use shown:
- per year
- per 100 cycles
- per 1,000 hours
So, always check what the number refers to.
For example, 50 kWh per 100 cycles does not mean the appliance uses 50 kWh every time you use it.
It means an average of:
50 ÷ 100 = 0.5 kWh per cycle
This makes the figure much easier to understand.
Look Beyond Energy
Some labels give other useful information too.
For example, you may see:
- water use
- capacity
- programme time
- noise
- screen size
- other product details
So, the most energy-efficient product is not automatically the right one for you.
It still needs to do the job you need.
What Is the QR Code?
Some energy labels include a QR code.
You can scan it with a phone to see more information about the product.
This can help when you want more detail than the label itself provides.
However, for a quick comparison, the main figures on the label may be enough.
Does an A-Rated Appliance Cost Less to Run?
Often, it may cost less to run than a similar, less efficient appliance.
However, don’t rely on the letter alone.
Instead, check the energy-use figure.
Then you can estimate the electricity cost.
For example, if an appliance uses:
200 kWh a year
and electricity costs:
25p per kWh
the estimated electricity cost is:
200 × £0.25 = £50 a year
Your actual cost will depend on your electricity price and how the appliance is used.
Use the Appliance Running Cost Calculator →
Should You Buy the Best Rating?
Not necessarily.
A highly efficient appliance may cost more to buy.
So, compare:
- purchase price
- energy use
- running cost
- size
- features
- how often you will use it
For example, paying an extra £300 to save £10 a year on electricity may not make sense if energy saving is your only reason for choosing it.
However, a higher price may still be worthwhile for other reasons.
Should You Replace an Old Appliance?
Again, not automatically.
A newer appliance may use less energy.
However, replacing a working appliance also costs money.
So, first work out how much energy you could actually save.
Then compare that saving with the cost of replacement.
This gives you a much better basis for your decision.
Learn more: Energy Efficient Appliances →
A Simple Way to Compare
When comparing appliances, use this order:
1. Choose the right size
Don’t pay to run more capacity than you need.
2. Check the energy rating
This gives you a quick guide to efficiency.
3. Check the energy-use figure
Look for the kWh figure and check what period it covers.
4. Estimate the running cost
Use your electricity unit rate.
5. Compare the purchase price
Then decide whether paying more for a more efficient model makes sense.
Key Points
Energy labels can help you compare appliances.
However, don’t look only at the letter rating.
Also, check the kWh figure.
Then, compare products of a similar size that do the same job.
Finally, consider both the purchase price and the likely running cost.
The best rating does not always mean the lowest total cost.
Next: Appliance Electricity Use →
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