The Commission has adopted new EU rules to reduce the energy consumption and facilitate repair of local space heaters (both electric and those fuelled with gaseous or liquid fuels). Typical examples of these products are electric radiators, towel rails, infra-red radiant heaters, electric underfloor heaters and gas stoves.
The new rules will replace the existing ecodesign measures and their adoption follows an extensive stakeholder and public consultation and scrutiny by the European Parliament and the Council, which took place from 14 November 2023 to 14 February 2024. The adopted measures are estimated to lead to cumulative energy and greenhouse gas emissions savings of 56 terawatt-hours (TWh) and 6.6 million tonnes of CO2 equivalent, respectively, by 2040. In addition, they are estimated to help consumers save around € 7.9 billion while creating more than 24 000 jobs by incentivising the production of more energy-efficient heating products.
The new rules in particular extend the scope of ecodesign to additional types of appliances such as electric towel rails and large tube heaters (typically in open plan factory areas). So-called 'slave heaters' (electric resistance heaters without inbuilt controls), which were previously excluded from ecodesign, are now also covered by the new requirements. In addition, the new measures introduce maximum energy consumption levels for low-power modes, such as the off or standby mode, for the products covered. Finally, EU consumers will benefit from new provisions boosting a circular economy given that manufacturers will be required to make available spare parts and related information for the purpose of repairing local space heaters.
Certain local space heaters (but not electric ones) are also covered by EU Energy Labelling requirements. These are currently also under review, but this process is only expected to be finalised in 2025.
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Details
- Publication date
- 19 April 2024
- Author
- Directorate-General for Energy