ETL 2023/24 Research Programme: Changes to criteria for energy efficient technology now live

The ETL scheme has reviewed nine sub-technologies to ensure criteria still identifies the top 25% most efficient products in their class

The ETL’s annual Research Programme reviews the measurement standards, performance thresholds and eligibility criteria for the sub-technologies in scope to ensure criteria continue to identify the top 25% of products in their class.   

By scrutinising standards and keeping them relevant, we make sure that the process for manufacturers to list their energy efficient products on the ETL is simple, accessible, and up-to-date.   

The Research Programme, which involved consultation with affected manufacturers during both the criteria review process and the following product reassessment, has now concluded. 

ETL criteria are reviewed at least once every four years, ensuring that best practice is maintained across all of the schemes’ 65 sets of criteria.   

The outcomes of the 2023/24 Research Programme are now live, with the updates affecting nine sub-technologies and 33 manufacturers. Nearly 300 products have been reassessed on the ETL.  

Read on to find out about the specific criteria changes.   

Heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) equipment 

HVAC Building Controls   

There have only been minor edits, and updates to one measurement standard:  

• The criteria are now designed for controllers to be capable of functioning in an EN ISO 52120-1:2022 class A system.   

Refrigeration equipment 

Automated Permanent Refrigerant Leak Control System   

The only changes are to measurement standards:  

• BS EN 50676:2019 and BS EN 14624 have been introduced.   

Cellar Cooling Equipment   

The only changes are to measurement standards:   

• BS EN 14825:2022 has been introduced as a measurement standard for products listed after August 2020.   

Refrigeration Compressors   

There’s one change to a performance requirement:   

• The Coefficient of Performance threshold has changed from >= 2.40 to >= 3.52 for the 'Medium Temperature with HFC or HC refrigerant' product category.   

Refrigeration System Controls   

After review, there are no material changes.   

Radiant and Warm Air Heaters 

Radiant Heating Equipment  

The only changes are to measurement standards:   

• BS EN 17175:2019 and BS EN 416:2019 have been introduced.   

Warm Air Heating  

There’s one change to a measurement standard:   

• BS EN 17082:2019 has been added. 

Compressed Air Equipment 

Master Controllers   

After review, there are no material changes.   

Heat Recovery Ventilation Units

Heat Recovery Ventilation Units   

There have been updates to performance requirements, and an update to measurement standards.   

• The dry heat recovery efficiency performance requirement has increased from >= 78% to >= 80% for the ‘Units with plate heat exchangers’ and ‘Units with rotating heat exchangers’ product categories. 

• BS EN 308:2022 has been added as a measurement standard.   

2024/25 Research Programme

The next research programme is already underway. Criteria are under review for 14 sub-technologies, including Air-to-Water Heat Pumps, Undercounter Dishwashers and Retrofit Burner Control Systems. For more information, head to our article.  

If you’ve got any questions about the next research programme, please contact the ETL on info@etl.energysecurity.gov.uk.