A - G Energy Labels Explained: What Appliance Ratings Really Mean

What the A-G energy labels on your appliances really mean

A lower letter grade doesn’t automatically mean a worse appliance - the scale has been reset, so many products have naturally moved down the alphabet.

The quickest way to compare running costs is the kWh figure on the label (and your electricity unit rate.)

The Ofgem price cap for a typical household is now £1,758/year, so understanding labels can help you make more confident choices.

Against the backdrop of high energy bills, unpredictable price cap patterns and reliance on extra energy to get us through winter, it makes sense that more people are asking: “If I replace an old fridge, dishwasher or washing machine… will it actually save me money?”.

Let’s take a look at what defines an efficient appliance these days, and how the labels that separate them have changed.

Why energy labels changed

For years, labels crept into A+, A++ and A+++, and most new products ended up bunched at the “top”, making it hard to tell what was genuinely best-in-class.

So, the labels were re-scaled back to a simpler A-G system for key product groups.

What’s on the new label now

Depending on the appliance, the label will show

• An A-G rating (A = most efficient on the current scale)
• A kWh consumption figure (shown per year, per 1000 hours or per 100 cycles, depending on the product)
• Product icons (capacity, water use, noise, programme time etc)
• A QR code for extra model info

The new energy ratings, compared to the old

Two things changed at the same time:

1. The letter scale reset (so the “top” is intentionally harder to reach).
2. For some appliances, the testing and representation of energy use changed (for example, washing machines now show consumption per 100 cycles).

The Energy Saving Trust advises it can be tricky to compare old and new labels directly. An appliance that looked “great” before can appear much lower on the new scale.

Our advice is not to worry if a new appliance is rated C, D or E – many of them are still efficient by modern standards.

A smarter shopping method (so you don’t overpay)

If you’re replacing white goods, this approach usually helps.

Compare like with like: only compare ratings within the same product type and size range. Then use the kWh figure as your tie-breaker (especially if two models have similar features). Next, check what the label is based on. For washers, look at the programme and the label references, and aim for efficient habits.

Need support with bills or appliances?

Once you know how new energy ratings really work compared to the old ones, you can shop with a lot more confidence and focus on the numbers that actually drive your running costs. If bills are becoming unmanageable, tell your supplier early. They’re expected to help if you ask (with repayment plans or support options).

If you’re worried about costs or you’re not sure what upgrades would genuinely help, LEAP’s friendly advisors can talk you through your options.