With growing attention to the environment, more sustainable lifestyles, and energy savings, product performance has generally improved in recent years. This has also required a major change in the energy labels of appliances and light bulbs.
The energy consumption of many products, in fact, at a certain point could no longer be measured using the efficiency scale introduced in the 1990s. The products in the lowest classes had gradually disappeared over time and, on the contrary, the A energy class was no longer sufficient, so the categories A+, A++ (in 2003), and A+++ (in 2010) were gradually added.
Change in energy labels
The European Union has therefore decided to revise the energy labels made mandatory by EU Directive 92/75/EEC from 1992, which came into effect in Italy in 1998. These energy labels featured a scale ranging from A+++ to G, with A+++ indicating the highest efficiency. In March 2021, and again in September of the same year, the framework regulation EU Reg. 2017/1369 updated the energy labeling system, making the labels more comprehensive, easier to read, and optimized for clarity.
How to read the new energy labels on LED light bulbs?
The regulations require labels that provide a more accurate evaluation and allow consumers to make informed decisions when purchasing energy-efficient light bulbs.
The label includes:
- name of the supplier
- product model name
- the energy scale from A to G, colored 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
- energy consumption when on for 1000 hours, expressed in kWh
- the QR code, which gives access to product information contained in the European energy label register (EPREL).
Product packaging also includes icons or additional text providing information about the characteristics and performance of the light bulbs. Among these, for example, are the luminous intensity, the color of the light emitted by the light source, the wattage equivalent of a traditional light bulb, or the estimated lifespan in hours.
Are class E or lower light bulbs inefficient?
No, even though the reclassification of energy classes may at first seem like a downgrade for the product. Light bulbs that were previously class A+ or lower are now in classes F or G on the 2021 label. Most A++ light bulbs have moved to the new class E. And according to the new criteria, only a few light bulbs have entered energy class D. The light bulb itself, however, has remained the same, as have its consumption and efficiency. The only thing that changed was the energy scale, which has become more stringent.
The Commission emphasized in a statement that the new scale was designed so that, at its launch, very few products would be able to achieve an "A" or "B" rating. This was to prevent the labeling from quickly becoming outdated or needing to be revised as more high-performance products gradually enter the market. At the launch of the new label, the most energy-efficient products on the market were classified as "C" or "D".
It’s important to note that with LED light bulbs, energy consumption can be reduced by up to 90% compared to old incandescent light bulbs. The new scale takes these differences into account, resulting in significant long-term savings on the electricity bill for users.
Have the energy labels changed for all appliances?
Yes, the new energy labels are not limited to light bulbs. They are found on a wide range of electronic devices and appliances, such as refrigerators, 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 serve as a more accurate guide to efficiency and energy consumption. Carefully reading the energy labels, including the QR code, and choosing higher energy classes is the best way to reduce consumption and contribute to overall energy savings.
