If you've ever seen an energy label on a fridge, washing machine, or even your home’s EPC (Energy Performance Certificate), you might have wondered - what do these ratings actually mean?
And more importantly, how do they affect your energy bills?
As part of our #WattMatters energy consumption awareness campaign, we’ll be providing a useful breakdown on what the ratings mean.
We'll also explain what to look out for, and how it can help you save more and spend less on your energy bills.
Read on to find out more.
Energy ratings measure how efficient an appliance or property is at using energy. The better the rating, the less power it needs to run - helping to lower your energy bills and reduce your carbon footprint.
Most appliances such as fridges, washing machines, and TVs have an energy efficiency label with a rating from A to G, these mean the following: A (or A+, A++ before 2021) – The most energy-efficient
G – The least efficient, using more power to do the same job
Appliances with a higher rating (A-C) might cost more upfront, but they save you money in the long run by using less electricity.
You can usually find the ratings on the outer packaging of the appliance.
Energy efficiency isn’t one size fits all, and you'll notice that labels vary slightly depending on the type of product.
Below is a general depiction of what most labels look like, and what each component on the label means:
For a more in-depth breakdown, click here.
Most homes have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC), rated from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), but it’s worth noting that there is no requirement for all rental properties to have one. Some of our long-term tenancies, where the tenant has remained in the property since the implementation of the regulations, don’t have a rating.
Why does this matter? Homes with lower ratings (D-G) could mean higher heating bills.
Here is a breakdown of Community Housing properties and their EPC ratings.
| RATING | Number of Homes | Rating | Number of Homes | |
| A | 21 | E | 54 | |
| B | 515 | F | 6 | |
| C | 3,717 | G | 1 | |
| D | 1,418 | TOTAL | 5,732 |
~ Community Housing ESG Report 2023-24
The average energy efficiency rating for a dwelling in England and Wales is band D (rating 60).
Here is a brief breakdown of how much you can save on your bills by making the switch.
Choosing an A-rated fridge freezer over an E-rated unit can save £360 over its 17-year lifetime.
Choosing an A-rated washing machine over a D-rated one could save you around £95 over its 11-year lifetime.
Almost 8% of our electricity bill is spent running the dishwasher. It typically costs up to £70 to run a standard sized dishwasher each year.
The most efficient dishwashers on the market have an A rating. They can save you around £25 a year, compared to the lowest-rated dishwashers of the same size. They also use less water.
Information gathered from here.
When buying appliances, look for A-C ratings.
If you're looking at moving properties, whether it’s one of ours or another’s, check the energy rating of the property.
Using LED bulbs, draft-proofing windows, and adjusting your heating settings can all improve efficiency. Keep an eye on our social media over this week to learn more energy saving tips!
Understanding energy ratings helps you make informed choices, whether you're picking an appliance or renting a home.
The more efficient the rating, the lower your energy bills and environmental impact - so it’s always worth checking!
Use Energy Label’s useful comparison tool to compare appliances.
Remember it’s #WattMatters
