From A to G: Understanding the Energy Efficiency Labels of Your Devices

We want to help you make smart choices that benefit your wallet and the planet.

Today, we’re focusing on a key detail we often overlook: the energy efficiency labels on your devices. Understanding them will not only help you save money, but also contribute to a more sustainable future.

What is energy efficiency and why does it matter?

Energy efficiency is essentially the ability of a product or system to perform its function using the least amount of energy possible. Applied to electronics, it means that an efficient device does its job—whether it’s cooling, washing, or heating—while using optimized electricity consumption.

Why it matters:

1. Lower bills: Efficient electronics use less energy, which means significant long-term savings on your electricity bill. Even if they cost a bit more upfront, they quickly pay for themselves through lower monthly costs.
2. A smaller footprint: Less energy use means less demand for power production, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By choosing efficiency, you're directly contributing to a cleaner, healthier planet.

Energy Efficiency Labels: Your Guide to Smart Consumption

Energy efficiency labels are a vital and mandatory tool in the European Union, providing clear and standardized information about an appliance’s energy consumption.

What changed in 2021? 

Since 2021, these labels have been updated to be even more rigorous and easier to understand. The scale now runs from A to G:

• Class A: Represents maximum efficiency.
• Class G: Represents the lowest efficiency.

The Evolution of the A+, A++, and A+++ Ratings

The previous system simply became outdated. Technology advanced so quickly that most products ended up in the A+++ category, making it almost impossible to see the real difference between them.

The new A-to-G scale fixes this by raising the bar:

• A "Demanding" New A: The top rating is now reserved for future, ultra-efficient innovations.
• The Shift: This is why a device that used to be A+++ might now be labeled as Class B or C. It hasn’t lost any efficiency—the standards just got a lot tougher to encourage brands to keep improving!

What key information will you find on these labels?

• Efficiency scale (A-G): This is the most visible and probably the most important part. A device rated A is the most efficient, meaning it consumes far less energy than one rated G. Always look for higher categories to maximize your savings and minimize your impact.
• Annual energy consumption: This shows how many kilowatt-hours the appliance consumes in a year under standard conditions. It’s a crucial number that allows you to compare energy costs between models.
  
  
  • kWh/year: For continuously operating appliances, like refrigerators and freezers.
  • kWh/100 cycles: For washing machines, dishwashers, or dryers. It shows the energy consumed over 100 uses on the “Eco” program.
  • How does this translate to euros? It’s simple. Check the price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) on your Nordy bill and multiply it by the consumption indicated on the label. This lets you estimate the annual energy cost or the cost per 100 uses.
    
    
• QR codes: New labels include a QR code that, when scanned with your smartphone, provides a link to the EPREL database (European Product Database for Energy Labelling) with detailed product information.
• Pictograms – key info at a glance: At the bottom of the label, you’ll find a series of icons providing essential details about the product’s performance. These vary depending on the appliance:
  
  
  • Washing machines and dryers: load capacity (kg), water consumption per cycle (liters), duration of the “Eco” program, and spin efficiency (also rated A to G).
  • Refrigerators and freezers: shows the capacity in liters of refrigeration and freezing compartments.
  • Dishwashers: indicates the number of place settings, water consumption, and “Eco” cycle duration.
  • TVs and screens: shows energy consumption in both standard and HDR modes.
  • For all appliances: A key pictogram is the noise level, showing decibels (dB) and classifying it on a scale from A to D, with A being the quietest. This is especially useful for open kitchens or if you run the appliance at night.

The Real Value of Energy Efficiency: A Smart Investment

Think about your refrigerator: it’s the only electronic in your home that never sleeps, running 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you compare a Class G model to a Class A, the difference is significant—it can mean hundreds of euros in savings over the product’s lifetime.

While a highly efficient device may have a slightly higher upfront cost, the long-term benefits are undeniable. It is more than just a purchase; it is a strategic financial decision for your home.

At Nordy, we understand that every energy-related choice matters. That’s why we encourage you to prioritize efficiency as a key factor when selecting new products. By choosing better, you are not only protecting your budget but also contributing to a more sustainable future—a goal that sits at the heart of our commitment to the environment.

We want you to feel the peace of mind that comes with reliable energy, while also contributing to a decarbonisation of the planet. If you have questions about how to optimize your consumption and save on your bill, remember that Nordy is here for you.

Want to find out how much you could save?Visit our savings calculator section and let us help you take the first step toward smarter, cleaner and more sustainable energy consumption!