subject: New energy saving label ratings are to be placed onto products [print this page] New energy saving label ratings are to be placed onto products
With every product implying they are the best' energy efficient product you should invest in, is it any wonder that consumers are somewhat perplexed.
However theres good news: a new energy saving label rating is going to be introduced and placed on all white goods, and even TV's as from June 20th, which with any luck will simplify all the technology jargon, just giving us the facts and the information we need to know.
It is hoped that the labels will help consumers choose more energy efficient appliances and reduce both their carbon emissions, and their homes carbon footprints, when it comes to using washing machines, dishwashers and fridge freezers.
Energy labels have been used on white goods for some time now, rating products from A to G, but the new European Energy Label will introduce A+ and A++ ratings, giving credit to appliances that are extra efficient.
The labels will keep their coloured bar indicator, but will see the addition of the amount of energy the products consume, which will enable us to separate the energy efficient, with the money grabbing schemes.
Environment secretary Caroline Spelman commented: "Consumers want to make the right decisions when buying new goods that use less energy and bring down household bills.
"These new energy saving ratings will help people make the right choice when out shopping for TVs and white goods by choosing those which are rated the darkest green on the labels."
Future plans will also see boilers and vacuum cleaners also carrying these labels, while ratings will be shown in adverts for products.
However will it be as successful as we believe it will be? It may carry the ratings for how efficient it is as a product, however how can we really tell whether it will be the most useful product for our individual requirements. For instance, a gas condensing boiler may be extremely efficient for a family of three, but will it be just as efficient for a family of 6?
With today's financial crisis, not everyone wants to be paying out for merchandise that in the long term save them the slightest bit of money, when for the same price they could have bought themselves a different product with the potential to save them hundreds of pounds.
Perhaps the labels may be useful for determining which products drink up the most energy, but when it comes down to picking the best product for your home, maybe we should get a second opinion and ask the experts.
