Choosing a Fridge is always a balance between the desire to get modern, quiet and reliable equipment and the need to meet a certain budget. On the price tags we see a lot of alphanumeric designations, which are often confusing. Energy efficiency class This is not just a marketing ploy, but a real indicator of how much electricity your unit will consume throughout the year.
Understanding the difference between classes allows you not to overpay for electricity in the long term. Old models of class B or C may be cheap in the store, but after three or four years of operation their “gluttony” will eat up all the initial savings. At the same time, overpaying for top models is not always justified for a summer house or a rarely visited office.
In this article we will look in detail at how the classes differ, why the scale was changed in 2021, and what you really should pay attention to when purchasing. We will help you decide which class of refrigerator is best for your conditions of use.
What is an energy efficiency class and how is it calculated
An energy efficiency class is a standardized indicator that indicates the efficiency of a household appliance. It is calculated based on the ratio of actual electricity consumption to the established standard value for refrigerators of a given volume. Simply put, this is an assessment of how effectively the compressor and insulation system do their job of keeping things cold.
The calculation uses a complex formula that takes into account the volume of the refrigerator and freezer compartments, climate class and the presence of additional functions, such as No Frost or a display. The lower the percentage of actual consumption to the reference one, the higher the class. For example, if a device consumes only 40% of the conventional norm, it falls into the highest category.
It is important to understand that the classification is not static. Technologies are improving, and what was considered the standard ten years ago (class A), today is only an average. Manufacturers are constantly introducing inverter compressors and improving thermal insulation to improve the rating of their models.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the energy efficiency class with the climate class. If the first one talks about saving electricity, then the second one (SN, N, ST, T) indicates the range of ambient temperatures at which the refrigerator can safely operate.
When choosing a model, pay attention to the sticker with colored stripes. It is mandatory for all countries of the Eurasian Economic Union and the European Union. Energy efficiency index (EEI) is exactly the number that follows the letter, and it is this that determines the final class.
Old class scale: from G to A+++
For a long time, there was a scale in the market where class was considered the highest indicator A+++. It was introduced to encourage manufacturers to create more economical models, since class technology A ceased to be the ultimate dream. This scale covered the range from the most energy-intensive G to ultra-economical A+++.
Models labeled A+, A++ i A+++ became the standard for modern household appliances in the middle and high price segment. The difference between them would seem to be minimal, but in terms of ten years of work it is noticeable. A class refrigerator A+++ consumes approximately 40-50% less energy than a similar class model A.
However the old scale had a significant drawback: it became too “blurred”. Since most new refrigerators have slipped into the A++ i A+++category, it has become difficult for the buyer to understand the real difference between the models. The upper limit of efficiency had been reached, and further improvement of the parameters required a new evaluation system.
- 📉 Class A: Basic level of efficiency, characteristic of equipment produced 10-15 years ago. Now such models are practically not produced for developed markets.
- 📈 Class A++: The golden mean of the modern market. Optimal ratio of purchase price and electricity costs.
- 🚀 Class A+++: Leaders of the old scale. They have the best compressors and insulation, but often have a high starting cost.
New energy efficiency scale (from 2021)
In March 2021, a new scale came into force in the European Union, and then in the EAEU countries markings. The main change was the elimination of "pluses". Now the scale has become linear again: from A to G. This was done in order to restore clarity to the consumer and leave room for further technological progress.
The requirements for getting into each class have become significantly stricter. What was previously considered A+++in the new scale can only correspond to class C or D. At the moment (2026-2026), refrigerators with a class A according to the new scale practically do not exist in mass sale, since technologies have not yet reached such a level of efficiency while maintaining an affordable price.
How to transfer the old class to the new one?
An approximate translation looks like this: the old A+++ corresponds to the new C or D; old A++ - new E; old A+ - new F. The exact correspondence depends on the volume of the chambers of a particular model.
The new marking has become more informative. In addition to the letter, the label appeared QR code, by scanning which you can access the EPREL database with the full technical characteristics of the device. The label also now displays the noise level in decibels and the estimated energy consumption in kWh for 100 days (previously indicated for the year).
When buying equipment in a store today, you are highly likely to encounter the new label. Don't be alarmed if you see class D or Eon an expensive model. This does not mean that the refrigerator is “bad” or old. This means that it meets modern high standards, which have simply become stricter.
Comparative table: Old and New classification
To make it easier for you to navigate the two notation systems, we have prepared a summary table. It will help you understand what level of efficiency is hidden behind the new letter if you are used to the old system.
| New class | Old class (analogue) | Efficiency Index (EEI) | Characteristics |
|---|---|---|---|
| A | Above A+++ | < 41 | Ultra-efficient (still rare) |
| B | A+++ | 41 – 50 | Very high efficiency |
| C | A+++ | 51 – 60 | High efficiency |
| D | A++ / A+++ | 61 – 70 | Good efficiency (standard) |
| E | A+ | 71 – 80 | Average efficiency |
As can be seen from the table, most modern high-quality refrigerators are now in the range C – E. Models of the class F i G are gradually being phased out or remain in the budget segment with minimal functionality.
When comparing models in a store, always check on what scale the marking is given. Usually next to the letter there is an EU or EAEU logo, and the label design is slightly different (the new one is more minimalistic, with a black and white QR code).
The influence of class on the cost of ownership and service life
Many buyers make the mistake of looking only at the price tag in the store. However total cost of ownership it consists of the purchase price and energy costs for the entire service life (usually 10-15 years). The refrigerator operates around the clock, 365 days a year, so even a small difference in consumption has a noticeable effect.
For example, the difference in consumption between class E and class C can be about 100-120 kWh per year. At a tariff of, say, 5 rubles per kWh, this is 500-600 rubles in savings per year. In 10 years, it accumulates 5-6 thousand rubles. If the overpayment for a higher class when purchasing is less than this amount, then the purchase is profitable.
Additionally, a higher energy efficiency rating often correlates with overall build quality. To achieve class indicators B or C manufacturers have to use better compressors (often inverter), better door seals and more efficient refrigerants. This directly affects reliability and noise level.
Modern inverter compressors, typical for high classes, operate smoothly, without sudden starts. This reduces wear on mechanical parts and reduces noise. Thus, when choosing an economical refrigerator, you often get a quieter appliance, which is critical for kitchens combined with a living room.
⚠️ Attention: Actual energy consumption may differ from that stated on the label. It depends on the frequency of door opening, room temperature and the number of loaded products. The indicated values were obtained in laboratory conditions.
How to choose the best class for your situation
The answer to the question “which class is better” depends on the specific operating conditions. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. For a city apartment with high electricity tariffs and a large family, there are some priorities, for a dacha or a bachelor there are others.
If you are planning to buy a refrigerator for the kitchen-living room where you are constantly, the priority should be not only the class, but also the noise level, which is often (but not always) better for models with a high efficiency rating. It is also worth considering the climate zone: in a hot climate, the refrigerator has to work harder, and here economical models with good insulation will pay for themselves faster.
☑️ Criteria for choosing a refrigerator
For a dacha where the refrigerator is turned on only in season or operates in an unheated room indoors, there is no point in chasing a class A+++ (or a new one C). Here it is more important to pay attention to climate class (SN-T), which works at low or high ambient temperatures, and energy efficiency will fade into the background due to irregular use.
It is also worth remembering about promotions and sales. Stores often reduce prices on last year’s models, which may have an excellent energy efficiency class, but are inferior in design to new collections. This is a great way to get high-level technology at an average price.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it true that a class A+++ refrigerator will pay for itself faster?
Yes, but the payback period depends on the difference in the purchase price and electricity tariffs. On average, the overpayment for a high class pays off in 3-5 years of active use. If you live alone and are rarely at home, the payback period may take longer.
Is it possible to find a Class A refrigerator on the new scale?
At the moment, there are practically no such models on the market. The requirements for class A are so high that existing mass production technologies do not yet allow achieving this indicator while maintaining a reasonable cost and volume of chambers.
Does the No Frost system affect the energy efficiency class?
Yes, the No Frost system requires the operation of fans and defrost heaters, which increases energy consumption. However, modern models with No Frost have learned to compensate for this due to improved insulation and efficient compressors, so they easily fall into classes C and D of the new scale.
What to do if the class sticker on the refrigerator has worn off?
The refrigerator model is usually indicated on the inside wall or on the back panel. Find the exact model name (for example, LG GA-B509) and enter it into a search engine or on the manufacturer’s website. The technical data sheet (PDF) always indicates the current energy efficiency class.