WIREDGOV

Conclusion to the NMO investigation of energy labelling on refrigerators reveals abuses of tolerances. 

The National Measurement Office (NMO) have completed an investigation in which domestic appliance manufacturer, Glen Dimplex Home Appliances, was found to be supplying an incorrect energy label on one of their models of refrigerator.

An investigation undertaken by the NMO established that the New World refrigerator (model number ILA800) was found to use an average of 14.5% more energy than declared on the label. The product was also declared to have an energy rating of ‘A+’, but could only perform to ‘A’.

The company was let down by its Middle East supplier who changed the design of a refrigerator without considering the impact on the amount of energy used.

Prior to NMOs intervention 1,347 units of the model had been sold; remaining stocks were quarantined during the investigation. During this time Glen Dimplex took immediate positive action, which included stopping further imports from the supplier, returning remaining stocks to the factory, testing individual models to ensure they were capable of reaching the A+ minimum efficiency requirement and implementing new processes to ensure future compliance.

These actions were formalised through an enforcement undertaking; a voluntary agreement outlining specific actions to make amends for non-compliance and its effects within a specified timeframe.

In recognition of the environmental impact of the additional energy usage throughout the life of the products, the company has also made a donation to the National Wildflower Centre (local to the business) as part of the enforcement undertaking to offset that impact.

Glen Dimplex now has in place processes designed to ensure the ongoing accuracy of the information that they supply to consumers and that the refrigerators they supply meet and exceed the minimum requirements.

Paul Argent, Supplier Quality Controller for Glen Dimplex commented:

Our experience with the officials of the National Measurement Office has been professional, courteous and informative. A good working relationship was built up during the investigation and an emphasis on fairness and co-operation made all communication easy.