How to compare appliance energy labels across markets

Find annual energy, not only the grade

A letter, star count or coloured scale helps within a label system, but annual kWh is the direct bridge to an energy-cost estimate. Find the exact model in the official registry where possible and copy its annual consumption value.

Compare like with like

Product capacity, size, climate class and test assumptions can differ. Two refrigerators with different volumes or two air conditioners with different outputs are not a fair comparison simply because both labels show kWh.

Apply a personal rate

Multiply annual kWh by the energy rate that applies to the household. Do not automatically use the total-bill effective rate when fixed charges will remain. If the tariff is time-based and the appliance can shift, test the likely time band separately.

Keep purchase and energy costs separate

A lower-energy product can have a different purchase price, warranty or service cost. Report energy cost as one line of a decision rather than calling it total cost of ownership.

Save the product model, label date, annual kWh and rate used in the comparison. If a tariff changes later, the energy calculation can then be repeated without reconstructing which label value belonged to which product.