Updated energy ratings
Appliance energy ratings were first introduced in 1992 and have not only helped consumers choose more energy-efficient products but have also encouraged manufacturers to use more efficient technology to develop products to help push their sales.
In March 2021, new energy ratings and labels were introduced for certain kitchen appliance categories. The new labels are designed to allow consumers to have a better understanding of their carbon footprint and energy consumption and help them make a more informed choice.
A new class A to G rating has been introduced, replacing the former A+++ to D class which, owing to the high percentage of appliances with A+++ ratings, was becoming increasingly meaningless. The new rating system has only been introduced on certain appliances this year – dishwashers, freezers, fridges, washing machines and wine cabinets. Today, there are no kitchen appliances rated class A, which means that manufacturers will have to strive to develop even more efficient kitchen appliances in the future. It will be interesting to see which manufacturer gets there first!
The energy labels of cookers, ovens, cooker hoods, and tumble dryers are due to transition to the new system in 2022.
How are the energy ratings of kitchen appliances calculated?
Kitchen appliances are designed to do hugely different jobs and so the tests carried out to calculate energy efficiency are different for each type of appliance.
The energy rating of washing machines, for example, is calculated by rating the energy a machine uses in kilowatt hours over 100 cycles. Fridges and freezers take into consideration numerous factors, including how it works, the temperature of the room, and how many and how big the different components in the appliance are. The energy rating of dishwashers is based on comparing how much water they use with the amount of energy they consume over 100 cycles.
One aspect remains consistent across all types of kitchen appliances – while it’s the job of the manufacturer to undertake the testing, they must have technical documents to prove the test results to the competent authorities.
Why does energy efficiency in kitchens matter?
Sustainability is assuming greater importance in our lives and prospective purchasers of new homes are increasingly aware of eco-friendly features such as energy-efficient kitchen appliances.
Not only are energy-efficient appliances better for the environment – they will also save money. With the cost of energy increasing, property buyers value features that promise to bring the cost of utility bills down.
When designing and installing a kitchen, it is vital to choose the best energy-rated products for the project.
Working with a specialist kitchen contractor that has sustainability accreditations like the ISO14001:2015 Environmental Management System, designed to help organisations achieve the intended outcomes of its environmental management system, will give developers peace of mind about the environmental credentials of their project.
Pentangle is committed to building sustainability into all its projects. We will always advise and offer the most energy-efficient kitchen appliances to our customers.
Pentangle Kitchens designs, supplies, and installs kitchens for property developments that feature energy-efficient appliances. Get in touch with the Pentangle team to learn more.