Energy Ratings

An energy rating is a label on a product that shows how energy-efficient it is. It lets consumers compare models that do the same job, so they can choose the one that uses less electrical energy.

Two devices can look almost the same but use different amounts of energy. The rating shows this in a standard way, so the comparison is fair: it is usually a class from A (most efficient) to G (least efficient), and the label also gives an energy figure for a set amount of use. A better rating means the device uses less energy to do the same task.

For example, imagine two 27-inch monitors used for the same number of hours each day:

Monitor P uses less energy for every 1000 hours of use, so across its useful life it uses less electrical energy than Monitor Q. Choosing the model with the better rating therefore reduces the energy used while you own and use the device.

The rating only covers energy used while the device is running, not the energy and materials used to make it or to dispose of it, so it is one part of judging how environmentally friendly a device is.