Glossary

Energy efficiency class

What this term means when it appears on an appliance specification or energy label.

In short

The energy efficiency class, A (most efficient) to G, is the rating on the energy label. Since March 2021 the UK and EU use a rescaled A to G scale with no plus classes, so an older A+++ machine is not comparable with a new A.

The class is calculated from the energy used per 100 eco 40-60 cycles, weighted across full, half and quarter loads. The rescaled label was introduced so that the top of the scale is hard to reach; many machines sold in 2021 landed in B to D even though they had been A+++ on the old scale.

The label also shows the energy per 100 cycles in kWh, the water per cycle in litres, the capacity, the eco 40-60 duration, the spin-drying class and the noise level and class.

Sources

Where this comes from

Examples from the index

ModelValue
Whirlpool FFD 8489 BSV UKA
LG FWY706NCTN1A
Whirlpool BI WMWG 81485 UKB
Beko WTIK94121FA
LG F2A509GBLN1A
Whirlpool W8 09ADS SILENCE UKA
Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

What does energy efficiency class mean on a washing machine?

The energy efficiency class, A (most efficient) to G, is the rating on the energy label. Since March 2021 the UK and EU use a rescaled A to G scale with no plus classes, so an older A+++ machine is not comparable with a new A.