Eco Design and Energy Labelling Of Vacuum Cleaners
explained
explained
Energy Efficiency Regulations
What are the eco and energy regulations?
The EU's Eco-design and Energy Labelling regulations apply to all new mains-powered vacuum cleaners from 2014. In order to comply with the regulations, vacuum cleaners must meet specific performance criteria, including energy efficiency, noise levels, pick-up performance, filtration, and input power (now capped at 1600w).
Why have the regulations been introduced?
The regulations have been introduced to standardise the performance metrics of vacuum cleaners, allowing consumers to make an informed choice when purchasing, and also to promote energy efficiency. The energy label will be a familiar sight to many, as it's been used on a range of household appliances including washing machines, dishwashers, and fridges since as early as 1995. It is designed to provide consumers with accurate comparable information about the appliance's energy consumption and performance.
How will the regulations affect my vacuum cleaner?
Beyond the new information provided on the energy label, you shouldn't notice anything different with your new vacuum cleaner, which should perform as expected. You may see some instructions in your user guide that encourage you to make changes to your machine in certain circumstances.These are optional suggestions to help you get the very best performance in use.
For a limited time after September 2014, you will see some older vacuum cleaners on sale that haven't been engineered in line with the new regulations. These vacuum cleaners are compliant with UK legislation and the manufacturer's warranty applies. For more information see the terms and conditions of the manufacturer's warranty.
The Eco Label Explained
Let's have a look at the label…
Click on a green circle to the left to find out more.
Energy Efficiency
The letters A-G show the overall energy efficiency rating of the vacuum cleaner.
A is the most energy efficient; G is the least efficient.
Energy Usage
This symbol shows the result of a calculation to estimate the energy the vacuum will use in KWh per year, based on average user.
The lower the number, the more energy efficient the appliance is.
You can use this calculation to determine the machines running cost.
Filtration
This symbol shows how well the vacuum cleaner is able to retain dust and minimise the amount re-emitted into the air, according to laboratory testing.
The closer to A the lower the level of dust re-emissions from the vacuum cleaner.
Pick up on carpets
This symbol shows how effective the vacuum cleaner is at picking up debris from carpets, according to laboratory testing.
The closer to A the more effective the machine is at removing dust and debris.
Sound Power
This symbol gives you the noise rating in decibels for the vacuum cleaner in use, according to laboratory testing. The lower the number the quieter the vacuum cleaner.
Pick up on hard floors
This symbol shows how effective the vacuum cleaner is at picking up debris from hard floors, according to laboratory testing.
The closer to A the more effective the machine is at removing dust and debris.
