The UK energy label is a legal requirement, not a marketing badge
Every new appliance sold in the UK must display the rescaled A-to-G energy label. This is a legal requirement under regulations that came into force in 2021, enforced by the Office for Product Safety and Standards (GOV.UK, 2026). The label is not a voluntary badge from the manufacturer. It is a standardised, mandatory notice that tells you the product’s energy efficiency class, its annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), and other performance metrics such as capacity, noise level, and water use.
The current appliance energy rating scale runs from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), with A deliberately left nearly empty since the 2021 rescale. This makes comparisons clearer and leaves room for future innovation, as confirmed by the Energy Saving Trust.
- Every new appliance must display the rescaled A-to-G label since 2021.
- The old A+++ to D scale was scrapped in March 2021 for clarity.
- A rating is rare on the new scale, leaving room for future innovation.
- Energy Efficiency Index (EEI) determines rating based on size and type.
- Check kWh thresholds vary by appliance type, set by retained EU law.
- The UK energy label is a legal requirement, not a marketing badge
- How the A-to-G scale works on the current label
- Quick numbers Typical energy cost and savings by rating
- The direct answer What an appliance energy rating tells you about your electricity bill
- Eligibility and certification How to verify an appliance’s energy rating
- Which appliances give the biggest payback from choosing a higher rating
- What the energy label doesn’t tell you — and why it still matters
The old A+++ to D scale was scrapped in March 2021. Under the new scale, very few products achieve an A rating. This makes comparisons between models much clearer (GOV.UK, 2026). If you see an appliance with an old label, it was manufactured before the rule change and may not be as efficient as a modern equivalent.
How the A-to-G scale works on the current label
The label ranks appliances from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient). For most categories, the A band is deliberately left empty or nearly empty. This design leaves room for future innovation and prevents the market from becoming crowded at the top (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
The specific kWh threshold for each band varies by appliance type. A fridge-freezer has different thresholds than a washing machine, dishwasher, or tumble dryer. These thresholds are set by EU Ecodesign directives that were retained as UK law after Brexit (DESNZ, 2026).
A product’s rating is calculated using its Energy Efficiency Index (EEI). The EEI is the appliance’s annual energy consumption divided by a standard consumption figure for a model of the same size and type. The lower the EEI, the better the rating (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Quick numbers Typical energy cost and savings by rating
The table below shows typical annual energy use and running costs for common appliances at the 2026 Ofgem price cap rate of 27p per kWh (Ofgem, 2026). Figures are based on Energy Saving Trust data (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
| Appliance type | A-rated kWh/year | F-rated kWh/year | Annual cost difference | Annual saving from F to A |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fridge freezer | 150–200 | 400–500 | £55–£80 | £55–£80 |
| Washing machine | 130–160 | 200–250 | £15–£25 | £15–£25 |
| Dishwasher | 200–240 | 290–350 | £15–£30 | £15–£30 |
| Tumble dryer (vented) | 500–600 | 800–1,000 | £55–£80 | £55–£80 |
| Electric oven | 200–250 | 260–320 | £5–£15 | £5–£15 |
The direct answer What an appliance energy rating tells you about your electricity bill
The rating directly predicts the appliance’s annual electricity cost. A higher rating (A or B) means lower kWh consumption and lower bills. A lower rating (F or G) means higher running costs. For example, an A-rated fridge freezer uses roughly 150–200 kWh per year, while an F-rated equivalent uses 400–500 kWh per year. At 2026 rates, that is a difference of £55–£80 per year (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
However, the rating does not indicate build quality, durability, or cleaning or drying performance. It only measures energy efficiency under standardised test conditions. Two appliances with the same rating may perform very differently in daily use (DESNZ, 2026).
Eligibility and certification How to verify an appliance’s energy rating
Every new appliance sold in the UK must have a valid energy label registered with the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling (EPREL). You can check the database via the GOV.UK product pages (GOV.UK, 2026).
Installers do not certify appliances. The manufacturer or importer is legally responsible for the accuracy of the rating. Retailers must display the label prominently in-store and online. If you cannot see the label, ask for it before buying (GOV.UK, 2026).
For second-hand or imported appliances, check that the label is present and legible. If the label is missing or damaged, the rating cannot be trusted. There is no legal requirement for second-hand sellers to provide the label, but they must not misrepresent the product.
Which appliances give the biggest payback from choosing a higher rating
Fridge freezers and tumble dryers offer the largest annual savings because they run 24 hours a day or use high heat. Upgrading from an F-rated to an A-rated fridge freezer can save £70–£100 per year (Energy Saving Trust, 2026). For a tumble dryer, the same upgrade saves roughly £55–£80 per year.
Washing machines and dishwashers show smaller savings, typically £15–£30 per year, because their total use is lower. However, the payback is still positive over a 10-year lifespan. Electric ovens and hobs have the smallest energy spread between A and F bands, with savings of £5–£15 per year. For these appliances, the rating matters less than other features (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Guide to the most energy-efficient appliances for your home budget
What the energy label doesn’t tell you — and why it still matters
The label does not cover water use for washing machines and dishwashers, or noise levels. These are shown in separate icons on the same label, but they are not part of the A-to-G rating. The label also does not account for real-world usage patterns. Eco cycles, partial loads, and temperature settings can alter actual consumption by up to 30% (Energy Saving Trust, 2026).
Despite these limits, the rating is the single best predictor of long-term running cost. Ignoring it could cost you £200 or more over the appliance’s lifetime. If you are replacing an old appliance, choosing an A-rated model is almost always cheaper in the long run than keeping an F-rated or G-rated model running.
How to calculate the payback period on a new appliance
Frequently Asked Questions
The A-to-G label ranks appliances from most efficient (A) to least efficient (G). Under the 2021 rescale, very few products achieve an A rating, making comparisons clearer. The Energy Saving Trust confirms this design leaves room for future innovation.
The UK changed energy labels in March 2021, scrapping the old A+++ to D scale. GOV.UK states this was a legal requirement enforced by the Office for Product Safety and Standards, with the new scale making efficiency comparisons clearer.
An appliance's rating is calculated using its Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), which is annual energy consumption divided by a standard figure for its size and type. The Energy Saving Trust explains that a lower EEI means a better rating.
The most efficient rating is A, but on the current scale it is deliberately left nearly empty. According to the Energy Saving Trust, this leaves room for future innovation and prevents market crowding at the top.
Old labels from before March 2021 are still valid for appliances already in use. However, GOV.UK notes that such appliances may not be as efficient as modern equivalents with the new A-to-G scale.
