The EU Energy Label. Efficiency with clarity.

What Kärcher has long since demonstrated with its existing vacuum cleaners is now European law. Cleaning efficiently with less power.

The EU energy label for vacuum cleaners.

The EU energy label, in effect since 1 September 2014, limits the nominal power of dry vacuum cleaners connected to mains power to a maximum of 1600W. Every device sold in Europe must have the EU energy label.

Compulsory labelling does not apply to wet vacuum cleaners, combined wet and dry vacuum cleaners, battery-powered vacuum cleaners, industrial vacuum cleaners, robot vacuum cleaners, central vacuum cleaners and vacuum cleaners for outside areas. Vacuum cleaners with water filters will have to carry the label as of 1 September 2017.

Similar to those already used for household units, the energy label shows important information, such as energy efficiency class (A to G), average annual energy consumption, sound power level, dust emission class as well as cleaning classes for carpets and/or hard floors, in an illustrated and easy-to-understand form.

For buyers, this information is an important decision-making aid for judging the actual efficiency of a vacuum cleaner. In the highest energy efficiency class A, the maximum power input is < 850W.

Energy efficiency at a glance

The efficiency class is a standardised classification applicable throughout Europe. A direct comparison can be made using the classification from A to G, applicable from 01.09.2014. The basis for classification in an efficiency class is the annual energy consumption, which is calculated from a range of different parameters. The power input of the vacuum cleaner is therefore particularly crucial, but also the cleaning effect is part of the assessment criteria.

Energy efficiency at a glance

Annual energy consumption

The annual energy consumption refers to a defined number of uses (50 per year) on a standard living area (87 m²) and is shown as a reference value on the energy label. This value must be minimum < 62 kWh/a (Class G) and is highlighted on the energy label. The actual annual energy consumption depends however on user behaviour, in particular the degree of dirt, cleaning surface and cleaning frequency.

Annual energy consumption

Sound power level

Not only is saving energy good for the environment, so too is noise reduction. A sound level difference of ± 10 dB(A) corresponds to twice or half the perceived noise level. A vacuum cleaner with a sound power level of 71 dB(A) is therefore perceived to be only half as loud as one with 81 dB(A). The energy label showing the sound rating is an additional decision making aid.

Sound power level

Dust emission class

Over and above the cleaning performance, dust emission also plays an important role and is shown on the energy label as the classification A to G. The dust emission values are determined by the manufacturer using a standardised measuring method complying with EU regulations.

Dust emission class

Cleaning class on hard floors/carpets

The differences between cleaning hard floors and carpets are significant and cannot be directly compared. The classes for hard floors and carpets are therefore shown separately. In addition to the energy efficiency class for universal vacuum cleaners, the cleaning classes for hard floors and carpets are shown from A to G on the energy label. The minimum requirements for dust intake is dpuc = 70% for carpets and dpuhf ≥ 95% for hard surfaces.

Cleaning class on hard floors/carpets

* Data applies to VC 6 and VC 6 Premium.

The sum of all attributes makes the difference

To judge a vacuum cleaner solely by its power input does not work in practice. The energy consumption should always be considered in relation to the values shown at the bottom of the energy label. In addition to the energy efficiency label and cleaning performance, operating noise and the dust emission class are also decisive factors to be considered. Depending on the particular area of use, a decision that takes all of the values on the EU energy label into account is likely to be more customer-friendly and better suited to the individual overall.

Buyers benefit from the new energy label as it allows them to compare different models based on objective data and make their purchase decision. Energy-efficient vacuum cleaners can save households money each year in energy costs compared to old high wattage vacuum cleaners.