You’ve probably noticed that your appliances have a label on the front or one of the sides, featuring a colour range from A to G. And if you look a little closer, you’ll see it contains useful information about the appliance’s energy consumption. But it’s not just about understanding how much energy your appliance uses — it’s also about how environmentally friendly it is. As you might guess, the greener the rating (labelled as A), the better. This labelling system, regulated by European law, has been around for several years. However, a new energy label for tumble dryers is now being introduced — and here’s why it matters to you as a consumer.
Understanding the European energy label
Energy labels for household appliances have evolved over the years. The most recent update came in 2023, shifting from the older A+++ to D scale to a simpler A to G format. An A rating now represents the highest energy efficiency, while G marks the lowest. There’s more to the label than just the letter grade. Here are a few elements you will find:
- The QR code: it is located next to the Energy logo. This links to EPREL (the European Product Registry for Energy Labelling), where you can find detailed product data.
- The energy efficiency classes: from A to G, clearly displayed for easy comparison.
- The specific class for the model you’re considering: the closer to A (and greener), the more efficient it is.
- Energy consumption: shown in kilowatt-hours per year. If you’re comparing two similar models, this number can help you choose the one that consumes less energy and is more suitable for your home.
- Icons with additional info: such as noise levels, water consumption, and other relevant performance details.
- A regulation reference: confirming the label meets the latest EU standards.
New energy label for tumble dryers in 2025
Starting 1 July 2025, the European Union is introducing a new energy label for tumble dryers, designed to make energy efficiency clearer, simpler, and more transparent for everyone. The label has become easier to read since the last update, but there are also some additional changes that you may find useful:
What’s new?
Several changes come with the new label. For instance, you’ve probably seen ratings like A++ or A+++ on household appliances. That system was replaced in 2021 with a much simpler A to G scale, offering a more straightforward and user-friendly approach. You will still find familiar details on the label, such as annual energy consumption, load capacity, and noise levels, but now displayed with clearer icons and a more intuitive layout. Here’s some of the key information made easier to understand:
- Energy consumption per cycle (measured in kWh).
- Drying capacity (in kg).
- Cycle duration.
- Noise level during operation (in decibels, with a sound class rating from A to D).
And for tumble dryers, there are some more specific and important metrics:
Condensation Efficiency Class
This measures the percentage of moisture that is collected in the water tank or drained away, compared to how much is released into the air. A higher condensation efficiency means less humidity is released into your home, which is especially important if your dryer is in a room with poor ventilation. An A rating means it’s highly efficient at condensing moisture, better for your indoor air quality and overall comfort.
Programme Type Clarification
The energy rating is now specifically based on the “eco cotton” programme, which is the most commonly used standard cycle. This helps ensure consistency across all models when comparing performance.
Consistent Format Across Products
The new label aligns with those already updated for fridges, washing machines, TVs, and dishwashers, giving you a uniform labelling system across your household appliances.
Is this new label for tumble dryers good for me as a consumer?
Every new update in the energy label usually means an improvement for a greener consumption, so, long answer short: yes, absolutely. Also, buying a new and more efficient tumble dryer can reduce the old consumption by around 60 %, quite a lot, actually. On the other hand, this update is part of a broader EU effort to promote sustainability, energy savings, and circular economy goals. By rescaling the energy label for tumble dryers, the EU aims to:
- Help consumers identify truly efficient models.
- Clearer choices at a glance.
- Transparent real-world performance (energy use per cycle, noise level, condensation efficiency…).
- Encourage manufacturers to innovate.
- Reduce overall household energy use across Europe.
Together with the new label, updated Ecodesign regulations will ensure that all new tumble dryers placed on the EU market meet minimum energy performance and resource efficiency standards, including rules about durability, recyclability, and the availability of spare parts.
What about consumers with older tumble dryers?
Even if you have an old tumble dryer, you can find this improvement useful as well. First, when thinking about a future new purchase, the new energy label for tumble dryers will help you choose a more efficient and cost-effective option, especially since energy costs remain a concern for many households. Additionally, by comparing your current model with the new ones, you can gain a better understanding of how much it consumes. You can determine whether your current machine is costing you more in energy or performance, and whether it’s time to consider an upgrade.
Knowing how modern tumble dryers are evolving, with better efficiency, reduced environmental impact, and longer-lasting components thanks to updated Ecodesign rules, might inspire you to plan for a more sustainable home.
Information will help you choose the best tumble dryer for your home. The new energy label for tumble dryers is a step forward in helping consumers make informed, sustainable choices. With a more transparent and exigent system, you will be able to look for a tumble dryer that fits your needs and, why not, your values. Whether you are thinking about upgrading soon or just keeping an eye on the future, understanding the new label for tumble dryers will help you to shop smarter for yourself and all of us.