Refrigeration
General - New from March 1, 2021:
The energy label helps you, as a consumer, reduce your impact on the environment (and save money) by choosing products that consume less energy. The label also encourages manufacturers to develop and invest in more energy-efficient product design.The new energy labelling requirements will hopefully lead to an increase in sales of energy-efficient products, and are therefore a good way to start meeting the EU's goal of a 20 percent reduction in energy use.
With the help of the energy label, a product's energy consumption is graded on a scale from A to G. Class A (green) is the most energy-efficient and class G (red) the least.
The new scale replaces the previous scale, which contained classes such as A +, A ++ and A +++. It is now considerably tougher to reach the top classification, compared to previous A +++ markings. From 1 March 2021, the new classifications will apply to refrigerators and freezers.
The energy efficiency class for refrigerators and freezers will now be based on new standard conditions, using a scale from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). The labels will give information about the volume of the compartments and sound emissions.
A QR code will also be introduced which gives direct access to more information about the product in the European database EPREL (European Registry for Energy Labelling). There, you can easily find and compare energy-labelled products.The ecodesign requirements apply to electric mains-connected refrigerators and freezers for household use with a storage volume of up to 1,500 litres. The requirements also apply to products sold for use in places/situations other than in the household, or those which are used for cooling products other than foodstuffs. Electric (mains-connected) refrigerators, and freezers for household use that can also be powered by a battery, are covered by these requirements.
The ecodesign requirements do not apply to refrigerators and freezers that primarily run on something other than electricity, e.g. LPG, kerosene and biodiesel, or batteries. Custom-made refrigerators and freezers are not included: neither are refrigerators and freezers that have another main function, such as stand-alone ice machines or vending machines for chilled beverages.
The new energy label:
1. Product QR code, for direct access to your specific model’s information in the European EPREL database. The symbol is a QR code (grid pattern).
2. Product Energy efficiency class. The energy efficiency class is shown on a scale from A-G, where A is the most energy-efficient and G the least.
3. Product Energy Consumption in kWh/year (measured under new standard conditions).
4. Product Total volume in litres of all freezers. The symbol for volume is a snowflake.
5. Product Total volume in litres of all refrigerators. The symbol for volume is a milk bottle.
6. Product Sound power level (noise) in dB (A). The symbol is a speaker with sound waves.
The old energy label:
1. Product Energy efficiency class.
2. Product Energy consumption in kWh/year.
3. Product Sound power level (noise) in dB (A). The symbol is a speaker with sound waves.
4. Product Total volume in litres of all freezers. The symbol for volume is a snowflake.
5. Product Total volume in litres of all refrigerators. The symbol for volume is a milk carton.
General
- What is a QR code?
A QR (Quick Response) code is a grid pattern you scan with your phone or tablet and which contains certain types of information. Different QR codes contain different information. This might be technical data, verification of an ID or a link to a website. If you scan the QR code on the energy label, you will be taken to the information for your specific model in the EU’s EPREL product database.
- What does the energy efficiency class scale look like?
The energy efficiency class is shown on a scale from A-G, where A is most energy efficient and G the least.
- How do we calculate energy consumption?
Energy consumption is specified in kWh as annual consumption.
- What is meant by Volume?
The volume of refrigerators and freezers is provided in litres. This is for all refrigerator compartments and freezer compartments.
- How are noise emissions specified?
The machine's noise emissions are measured in decibels. On the energy label, this is marked with the letters A - C, where A is the lowest noise emission and C the highest. The corresponding values are: A: 38 dB(A) or lower B: 39–44 dB(A) C: 45–51 dB(A) or higher The scale for decibels is logarithmic, which means that a difference of six decibels is experienced as a doubling of the volume.