New EU Ecodesign Rules Transform Household Tumble Dryers
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New move by the European Commission to reduce CO2: new ecodesign and energy labelling rules for household tumble dryers. 60 million devices in Europe to be replaced?
By eEuropa
Brussels, 27 November 2023
The European Commission decided by a Regu;ation a new ecodesign aimed at transforming the household tumble dryer market. Effective from 1 July 2025, these rules aim to drastically reduce energy consumption and encourage repairs, replacing the existing ecodesign standards.
The new measures are expected to lead, by 2040, to cumulative energy and greenhouse gas emissions savings of an estimated 15 TWh and 1.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent, respectively. This can be compared to the annual electricity use of some 2.6 million electric vehicles. The improved energy efficiency resulting from the new measures has the potential to save around €2.8 billion for consumers.
The new Regulation does not currently mandate the replacement of existing household devices, but the introduction of heat pump technology will phase out all the tumble dryers in our homes from the market.
A Leap Towards Sustainability
Central to this initiative is the shift to heat pump technology, making it the only permitted technology for tumble dryers sold in the EU. This move aligns with the latest technological advancements and positions heat pump dryers as the new standard in energy efficiency.
Rethinking Energy Labels
The energy labeling system undergoes a significant overhaul, transitioning from the A+++ to D range to a more straightforward A to G scale. This re-scaling ensures that the A label is reserved for the most efficient models, spurring manufacturers to innovate and create top-performing, energy-saving appliances.
Emphasis on Repairability
In a bid to foster sustainability, the new regulations mandate manufacturers to provide a comprehensive list of spare parts to both consumers and repair professionals. This requirement underscores the EU’s commitment to a circular economy, promoting the repair and longevity of appliances over disposals.
Impactful Energy Savings
By 2040, these measures are projected to yield substantial energy and greenhouse gas emission savings, estimated at 15 TWh and 1.7 million tons of CO2 equivalent, respectively. This is equivalent to the annual electricity consumption of about 2.6 million electric vehicles. The anticipated energy efficiency improvements could result in approximately €2.8 billion in consumer savings.
A Collaborative Effort
The introduction of these rules followed a thorough process of consultation and evaluation by the European Parliament and the Council of Ministers, ensuring a balanced and well-considered approach.
A Decade of Progress
Since 2012, EU ecodesign and energy labeling rules for household tumble dryers have fostered market growth for heat pump technology. This technological evolution, coupled with the current energy labels, has guided consumers towards more energy-efficient choices, particularly in the context of recent high energy costs and related crises.
With approximately 60 million household dryers in use across the EU, these new rules are expected to further boost the sales of heat pump tumble dryers, solidifying their position as the market’s eco-friendly choice.
Read the Commission’s Regulation
For more information, please visit the EU Energy Policy Portal
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