The new "ErP" Energy Label

Following their adoption by the European Union (EU), the new Ecodesign Directive and new Energy Label must be implemented by all manufacturers of room heaters, combi heaters and combined systems consisting of room heaters, water heaters and DHW cylinders, by no later than September 2015. The statutory regulation for energy related products – also known as ErP – rates different appliances and categorises them into various efficiency classes.

The labels that we are all familiar with already on refrigerators, televisions and washing machines will also be used for heat generators and domestic hot water appliances. Consequently, heating heat pumps, DHW heat pumps, solar cylinders and indirect water heaters will be furnished with a standard European Energy Label.

The rating system for heating heat pumps categorises them into nine efficiency classes. The best energy efficiency class is A++. Category G identifies appliances with significantly poorer values. The energy efficiency classes for heating heat pumps are based on a seasonal coefficient of performance (SCOP). This depends firstly on the climatic region and secondly on the potential heating system. Europe is divided for this purpose into three climatic regions. For radiators and underfloor heating systems, the different flow temperatures and possible energy efficiency classes are shown on the Energy Labels.

EU-wide identification of energyrelated products

The new EU Label for identifying relevant details will be binding: As of September 2015, all DHW appliances sold by retailers must bear the new label. Consumers will benefit from this regulation, because the differences between current appliances will be much clearer in future. The new label is essentially similar to the current label that consumers of large domestic appliances are already familiar with. The categories will still have a background of coloured bars from green (very efficient) to red (very inefficient).

STIEBEL ELTRON welcomes the EU Directive and the call for transparent identification of energy consumption. Environmental protection and sustainability are the most important criteria for the company in the development of new appliances and decentralised DHW provision.

In contrast, with centralised DHW heating, reasonable levels of efficiency frequently dissipate as a result of long supply lines to the washbasin or shower. This is where cubic metres of heated water are quickly lost.

By contrast, decentralised DHW heating uses instantaneous water heaters and small water heaters, which are in close proximity to the draw-off point. Shorter lines mean less water and energy are needed and appliances ensure greater convenience.