New energy labels for TVs and PC monitors

Many electronic devices, including TVs and PC monitors, have received a new energy label since March 1, 2021.
This label is stricter, and the displayed information is much clearer and easier to understand. This allows you to make energy-efficient choices, which is good for both the environment and your wallet.

New energy label for TVs
The old energy label, with classes ranging from A to D, dates back to the 1990s, when household products were far less efficient than today. At the time, an A rating meant the best energy efficiency. But over time, due to technological improvements, additional “+” ratings were added. Many products eventually reached A+++, making the label outdated.

A new energy label has therefore been introduced, using a scale from A to G. Class A will initially remain empty to leave room for future products with exceptionally high efficiency. Today’s most energy-efficient products will typically be rated no higher than B. With this system, the EU aims to encourage manufacturers to develop even lower energy consumption devices.

In addition, a maximum energy consumption limit has been imposed. Devices that do not meet the maximum energy efficiency index will not be allowed on the market, and existing models that do not comply may no longer be sold after December 1, 2021. This standard will continue to become stricter in the coming years.

Currently, nearly all TVs fall under class G, and you won’t find a single model rated higher than E. However, this does not mean that TVs are suddenly much less energy-efficient. Their performance remains the same — the new standards are simply much stricter. A TV with an E rating on the new label may actually be more energy-efficient than one with a B rating on the old label.

Note: Some models will still be sold with the old label until November 30. You can recognize this label by its blue border and the rating scale from A+++ to D.

What do the new scores mean?

The scores express the energy efficiency class based on the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI). However, as with the old label, they do not have the same underlying values across different product categories, since they are calculated with different parameters. Therefore, the calculation is completely different for TVs compared to washing machines or refrigerators.

In the case of TVs, the scores are calculated based on the screen surface area and its power consumption. A 65-inch TV that consumes more energy than a 55-inch TV can easily achieve the same score because the screen diagonal is factored into the calculation. After all, it’s normal for a larger screen to use more energy.

The score on the label expresses the following Energy Efficiency Index (EEI):

A) EEI 0.30 or less
B) EEI 0.40 or less
C) EEI 0.50 or less
D) EEI 0.60 or less
E) EEI 0.75 or less
F) EEI 0.90 or less
G) EEI greater than 0.90

Clear and easy to read
Product performance information is displayed more clearly. For example, the new label no longer shows annual energy consumption but rather consumption per 1,000 hours of viewing. After all, annual consumption varies greatly from one family to another.
Additionally, consumption for 1,000 hours of HDR image viewing is also shown, as it can be much higher.
You will also find the screen size and the resolution of the TV on the label. Finally, at the top, you’ll find a QR code giving you access to the European Commission database, where you can compare different products based on energy efficiency as well as other specifications such as screen technology and refresh rate.

How to choose an energy-efficient TV?
Besides the number of hours spent watching TV, other factors influence energy consumption. Screen size plays an important role — naturally, a 65-inch screen consumes more than a 55-inch screen.
Screen technology also matters: LED screens generally consume less energy than OLED screens.
Finally, screen brightness also affects energy usage: the brighter the screen, the more energy it uses.
However, on most TVs, you can easily adjust the brightness yourself. Lower the brightness when listening to music or watching a movie in a dark room to save energy.

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