Since March 2021, the European Union has introduced a new scale for energy efficiency classes, ranging from A (very efficient) to G (less efficient). This change aims to ensure more transparency and better comparability of the energy efficiency of products. However, many consumers are still unsure how the new classes compare to the old ones. In this post, we will explain the differences and provide comparative values.
The old energy efficiency label
Until 2021, energy efficiency classes were often labelled A+, A++ and A+++. However, this scale caused confusion as it suggested that products with A+ were already very efficient, when in reality they were often less efficient than products with A+++.
The new energy efficiency label
The new scale ranges from A to G and has been calibrated as follows:
- A : Very efficient (future-oriented technologies)
- B : Efficient
- C : Average efficiency
- D : Low efficiency
- E : Less efficient
- F : Very inefficient
- G : Least efficient
Comparison of the old and new classes
To better understand the change, here is a general comparison table:
| Old Class | New Class |
|---|---|
| A+++ | B |
| A++ | C |
| A+ | D |
| A | E |
| B | F |
| C | G |
Please note that these are only guidelines and the exact classification may vary depending on the specific technical details of the lamp.
Examples of light sources
To better illustrate the differences, let's look at some concrete examples:
-
LED lamp (formerly A+++)
- Old class : A+++
-
New Class : B
-
energy-saving lamp (formerly A+)
- Old class : A+
-
New class : D
-
halogen lamp (formerly B)
- Old Class : B
- New Class : F
Why the change?
The change was necessary to make room for future technological advances. As more efficient products are developed, the new scale allows for a clearer differentiation between current and future technologies.
What does this mean for you as a consumer?
When you buy a new light bulb, you should not only focus on the new energy efficiency class, but also on the actual energy consumption (in kWh/1000h). This information will help you to better estimate the actual operating costs of the light bulb.
Conclusion
The new energy efficiency label may seem confusing at first, but it offers a clearer and more transparent assessment of the energy efficiency of products. By comparing it with the old classes, you can more easily understand how energy efficient a product really is. When buying, make sure to consider both the energy efficiency class and the actual energy consumption.
We hope this guide helps you better understand the new energy efficiency label. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact us!