Vacuum restrictions in EU

September is always a month of change, but this year it heralds more than the end of summer. From today onwards, consumers in European Union countries will only be able to buy vacuum cleaners with 1600 wattage or less. And that's just the beginning, because three years from now, the only models on EU shelves will be those that run on a maximum of 900 watts.

And that's not the only change afoot. Appliances must now also carry labels with detailed information about the efficiency of the appliance, energy usage, noise levels and cleaning power.

There are widespread consumer concerns that inferior power makes for an inferior product, but the "higher the wattage the better" belief is unfounded. In actual fact, high motor performance is often compromised by poor tube and nozzle aerodynamics, and well designed products with modern motors scored good results in independent tests, and can already reach high performance levels with less than 900 watts.

Efficiency guidelines: a recipe for success

In 2009, European heads of state agreed on a 20 per cent reduction in EU energy consumption by the year 2020. The EU Ecodesign Directive, which aims to strip the market of inefficient products, is key to achieving that target. In implementing efficiency standards for various products and tagging them with energy labels, the aim is to meet some 60 per cent of European energy saving targets.

EU efficiency guidelines have already seen the introduction of more power-saving fridges, dishwashers, washing machines, televisions, computers, pumps, engines and lamps. And some products now only use one-tenth of the power they needed compared to a decade ago.

The lighting sector is a shining example. It has undergone a fundamental overhaul, with the first traditional bulbs disappearing from EU shelves in 2009. In the intervening years, LED technology, which saves more than 80 per cent in energy and energy costs, has become the norm.

While consumers and companies feel the economic benefits of efficient lighting and appliances, the effects on European electricity consumption are barely noticeable. And the German energy agency (DENA) says it will take several more years before lighting systems in buildings or on roads are completely replaced.

DENA is expecting the greatest savings in the second half of this decade – particularly as a result of efficient electronic motors which are in constant use in pumps, fridges and cooling systems.

Profit for economy and consumer

Environment and energy experts regard the EU directive as an important and successful instrument on the road to achieving European climate and efficiency goals, and simultaneously a means of keeping household bills down - even in the face of rising energy prices.

DENA's Steffen Joest told DW that the energy efficiency regulations and labeling, are effective: "They are helping to keep EU energy usage down." An added benefit of the directive is that it stimulates innovation and competition. And that, in turn provides economic benefits as it keeps energy costs down and offers news export opportunities.

Joest sees the EU as a role model for energy efficiency on the international stage. As things stand, he says the measures for increased efficiency outside the EU vary enormously, with some countries issuing their own guidelines, and others trying to incentivize the development of new technology. "Other countries have registered a growing interest in increased efficiency and curbed output," he said.