Originally published on July 21, 2020; updated on July 26, 2022
Buying appliances with the A+++ energy efficiency label It helps protect the environment and, on top of that, saves money.
Although very few people pay attention to this detail when buying a new appliance or HVAC unit, there is a mandatory labeling system that lets consumers know how energy-efficient a product is. Based on this information, it’s best to choose appliances that have an A+++ energy efficiency rating—the highest possible rating—on their label. This way, you’ll achieve greater savings on your energy bills.
A+++ energy efficiency and its regulatory labeling
The energy efficiency ratings, as well as their regulatory labeling, comply with European energy efficiency regulations. Specifically, the following EU regulations apply: the Ecodesign Directives 2009/125/EC, the Energy Efficiency Directive 2010/31, and the Directive on Energy Labeling. But aside from these rules, there are certain energy certifications which are also required for certain products.
How is energy efficiency classified?
The energy label which every household appliance for sale must have displays a scale with several energy efficiency ratings. There, it is shown in What is the efficiency range? the device in question falls under which category, depending on the energy it consumes to perform its function. Thus, energy rating It reads as follows:
High efficiency
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- A+++ (dark green): Energy consumption below 25 % of the average for teams in its category.
- A++ (neutral green): consumption below 30 %.
- A+ (light green): consumption of approximately 30 to 42 %.
Moderate efficiency
Low efficiency
Source: holaluz
There are more levels, up to the level of Energy efficiency class G, whose consumption is higher than the average for its category and are not efficient. And, as you can see, the A+++ energy efficiency is the most recommended option because it offers the greatest savings in the electricity bill and implies an older care and respect for the environment.
Considering only the economic factor, the Ministry for Ecological Transition and the Demographic Challenge has published a information table, prepared by ANFEL (National Association of Manufacturers and Importers of Household Appliances), with the average annual savings achieved by purchasing appliances with an A+++ rating. It sets forth the following amounts as the maximum savings per device type:
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- Minivans: €172.66
- Refrigerators: €89.50
- Freezers: €160.62
- Washing machines: 59, 63 €
- Hair dryers: 128, 66 €
- Dishwasher: €61.54
- Ovens: 52.84 €
What does A+++ energy efficiency mean?
The reason this official classification exists is the so-called Energy Efficiency Index. A table showing the relationship between the electrical power of a household appliance and its actual power consumption within an hour. After performing the operation, the result is a energy coefficient, which is used to classify each of the devices manufactured and sold in Spain. But in addition to this energy rating, the regulatory label It includes additional information that is important to know.
- Product brand and model.
- Annual energy consumption.
- Informational icons based on the type of appliance: noise level, water consumption, capacity…
Source: factorenergy
It seems clear that greater energy efficiency translates to greater savings on the electricity bill. That's why more and more people are choosing to buy the most energy-efficient appliances on the market.
Without a doubt, this is a booming concept, since more and more users value the option of buying devices with A+++ energy efficiency. Professionals can specialize in this field by taking one of the various Master's degrees in energy efficiency currently available, such as the Master's Degree in Smart Buildings or the Master's Degree in Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy.
