Given the growing focus on the environment, more sustainable lifestyles and energy saving, in recent years there has been a general improvement in product performance. This has also required a significant change in the energy labels of household appliances and light bulbs.
The energy consumption of many products, in fact, at a certain point was no longer measurable using the efficiency scale introduced in the 1990s. The products from the lower classes had disappeared over time and, on the contrary, energy class A was no longer sufficient, so much so that categories A+, A++ (in 2003) and A+++ (in 2010) were gradually introduced.
Change in energy labels
The European Union has therefore decided to review the energy labels made mandatory by Directive 92/75/EEC of the European Union from 1992, which came into force in Italy in 1998. These energy labels featured a scale from A+++ to G, with A+++ indicating maximum efficiency. In March 2021 and then again in September of the same year, the framework regulation Reg. EU 2017/1369 updated the energy labelling system, and on this occasion the labels were optimised, made more comprehensive and easier to read.
How to read the new energy labels for LED light bulbs?
The regulations require labels that provide a more accurate assessment and allow consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing energy-efficient light bulbs.
The information provided on the label includes:
- name of the supplier
- product model name
- the energy scale from A to G, coloured from green to red – from A (best) to G (worst). The “+” signs have been removed to make it easier to read
- the energy efficiency class of the product
- the energy consumption when on for 1000 hours, expressed in kWh
- the QR code, which provides access to product information contained in the European energy label register (EPREL).
Product packaging also features icons or additional text providing information about the characteristics and performance of the light bulbs. Among these, for example, are luminous intensity, the colour of the light emitted by the light source, the wattage equivalent of a traditional light bulb, or the estimated lifespan in hours.
Are light bulbs in class E or lower inefficient?
No, even though class remapping may at first glance seem like a downgrade for the product. Light bulbs from the old A+ or lower classes have moved to classes F or G on the 2021 label. Most A++ bulbs have moved to the new class E. And according to the new criteria, only a few light bulbs have entered the D energy class. The light bulb itself, however, remains the same, as do its consumption and efficiency. The only thing that has changed is the energy scale, which has become more stringent.
The Commission highlighted in a note that the new scale was designed so that on its introduction very few products would be able to achieve an “A” or “B” rating. This was to prevent the labelling system from quickly becoming outdated or needing to be revised, as more efficient products gradually enter the market. When the new label was launched, the most energy-efficient products on the market were classified as “C” or “D”.
It should be noted that with LED light bulbs, energy consumption can be reduced by up to 90% compared to old incandescent bulbs. The new scale takes these differences into account, resulting in significant long-term savings on electricity bills for the user.
Have the energy labels changed for all appliances?
Yes, the new energy labels are not limited to light bulbs only. They can be found on a wide range of electronic devices and household appliances, such as fridges, washing machines, air conditioners, and televisions. This allows consumers to easily compare the energy efficiency of different products and make more informed choices.
In conclusion, the new energy classes for light bulbs can provide a more accurate guide to efficiency and energy consumption. Read the energy labels carefully, including the QR code, and choose higher energy classes wherever possible: this is the best way to reduce consumption and contribute to overall energy savings.
