A Plain English Guide

Walk into any appliance shop, or scroll through listings online, and you’ll see those colourful stickers plastered on fridges, washing machines, ovens, and even TVs. A rainbow of arrows points from green to red, with a bold letter like A, B, or E at the top.

But what do those energy labels mean? And how can they help you choose the right product?

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What Is an Energy Label?

An energy label is a government-required sticker that tells you how energy efficient an appliance is. It helps you compare products based on how much electricity they use and how much they might cost to run.

Most large household appliances and energy-related products must display an energy label, including:

  • Washing machines and washer dryers.
  • Fridges and freezers.
  • Dishwashers.
  • TVs and monitors.
  • Ovens.
  • Air conditioners.
  • Lighting products.

The New Energy Label System (Post-2021)

Since March 2021 (and October 2021 for lighting), the UK has moved many products to a simpler A–G scale, including fridges and freezers, washing machines, washer-dryers, dishwashers, TVs, monitors and lightbulbs:

  • A – most energy-efficient
  • G – least energy-efficient

The new system replaced the old A+++ to D ratings, which had become confusing as nearly everything ended up rated A or better. Appliances that were A+++ a few years ago might now be rated C or D. That doesn’t mean they’ve become less efficient, just that the bar has been raised to leave room for even more efficient products in the future.
Rescaling happens one product type at a time, though. Ovens and cooker hoods still use the older A+++ to D scale, and tumble dryers are partway through the switch, so you may see either label on those.

Note on rescaling: The A class is currently reserved for the very most efficient products, leaving space for future innovations.

Great Britain vs Northern Ireland

  • In Great Britain, labels show the UK flag.
  • In Northern Ireland, labels still display the EU flag and link to the EPREL database.

What You’ll See on an Energy Label

Here’s what to look for on a typical energy label, using a washing machine as an example:

Energy Efficiency Class (A–G)

This is the big bold letter at the top. It gives a quick idea of overall efficiency. A-class machines use the least energy.

Energy Consumption (kWh per 100 cycles)

Shows how much electricity the appliance uses, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). For example:

A washing machine using 47 kWh per 100 cycles might cost roughly £16 for every 100 washes at 34 p/kWh, but actual costs depend on your energy tariff.

Icons for Key Features

Depending on the appliance, labels may include:

  • Water usage (litres per cycle).
  • Noise level (in dB(A)).
  • Storage volume (for fridges and freezers).
  • Cycle duration (for eco or standard settings).

QR Code

Many modern labels include a QR code linking to more detailed product information and comparisons.

Oven Labels: A+++ to D

Ovens haven’t been rescaled yet, so their labels still run from A+++ (most efficient) to D (least efficient). An A+++ oven label is current and correct. Each oven cavity has its own label, so a double oven has two. The label shows:

  • Energy efficiency class (A+++ to D).
  • Usable volume of the cavity, in litres.
  • Energy use per cooking cycle in kWh, for conventional heating and, where the oven has it, fan (forced-air) heating. Gas ovens show it in both MJ and kWh.

When comparing ovens, check the kWh per cycle as well as the letter. A bigger cavity can use more energy per cycle even with the same class. (Regulation (EU) 65/2014, Annex III, as it applies in GB.)

What’s Considered a “Good” Class?

It depends on the appliance:

  • A or B – excellent
  • C or D – efficient, common
  • E to G – less efficient, often older or cheaper models

For frequently used appliances like fridges or washing machines, choosing a higher-efficiency class can reduce energy costs. For rarely used appliances, the difference may be small.

Why It Matters for Your Wallet

Better-class appliances tend to use less energy, which can reduce running costs over time. For example, a washing machine rated A might use 47 kWh per 100 washes, while a D-class machine could use 85 kWh. That difference accumulates, especially for appliances running daily, like fridges or freezers.

Watch Out for Old Labels

If you see an A+, A++ or A+++ label on a fridge, washing machine, dishwasher, TV or lightbulb, it’s out of date. Those now use A–G, so ask the seller or check the manufacturer’s website. For ovens and cooker hoods, A+++ to D is still the correct, current label.

Also, don’t assume a higher price guarantees better efficiency; sometimes mid-range products are more energy-efficient than expensive ones.

Your Quick Label Checklist

When comparing appliances, ask yourself:

  • What’s the energy efficiency class (A–G, or A+++ to D for ovens and hoods)?
  • How much energy does it use (kWh per 100 cycles)?
  • How loud is it during use (dB(A))?
  • How long does a typical cycle take?
  • Will I use it often enough to justify paying more for a better class?

Energy labels are more than just stickers, they are practical tools for saving energy and money. The next time you’re shopping, take a moment to read the label and think about long-term running costs. Even small differences in energy use can add up, especially with today’s energy prices. And for households looking to make even bigger savings, there’s extra support available to help reduce your bills.

ECO4 ends on 31 December 2026Consumer Rights can no longer help with ECO4 applications. See the grants and funding you can get now.

Don’t Forget

Looking to cut your energy bills? You can apply for a free home battery or see other funding options.