The European Commission has launched four simultaneous consultations to revise the EU’s Ecodesign and Energy Labelling rules for space heaters, combination heaters, water heaters and hot-water storage tanks. These updates form part of a broader effort to modernise product requirements, strengthen energy performance across the building stock, and accelerate the market shift toward efficient and low-carbon heating solutions.
Ecodesign requirements for water heaters and tanks (review)
The Commission is revising the existing ecodesign rules set out in Regulation (EU) 814/2013. This follows the 2017–2019 review study, which assessed technological progress, evolving load profiles and resource-efficiency considerations. The new initiative aims to tighten minimum efficiency requirements, introduce updated limits for gas and heat-pump water heaters, strengthen obligations on reparability and spare-parts availability, and modernise test methods to better reflect real-life performance.
The draft measure will take the form of a Commission Implementing Regulation and will be examined by the Committee on Ecodesign and Energy Labelling of Energy-related Products. The consultation runs until late December 2025, with adoption foreseen in the first quarter of 2026. These changes are expected to influence product design, DHW system sizing and integration of high-efficiency technologies in buildings.
Energy labelling requirements for space and combination heaters (review / rescaling)
The current energy label for space and combination heaters no longer sufficiently distinguishes between products, as many high-performance heaters occupy the top tier of the existing scale. The Commission therefore intends to rescale the label to a simpler, future-proof A–G format, include QR-code access to product data via EPREL, and introduce symbols indicating noise levels, smart-readiness or hybrid functionality.
This initiative will be adopted as a Commission Delegated Regulation under the Energy Labelling Framework. With the feedback period open until late December 2025 and adoption expected in early 2026, manufacturers will need to update labels and product documentation, while designers and engineers will benefit from clearer information for system specification and performance assessment.
Ecodesign requirements for space and combination heaters (review)
The Commission is also updating the ecodesign requirements for space and combination heaters to ensure alignment with the EU’s long-term decarbonisation goals. The revision aims to set stricter minimum performance thresholds for fossil-fuel heaters, while improving requirements for modern technologies such as heat pumps, electric heaters and hybrid systems. Efficiency, emissions, refrigerant type, noise and integration-readiness are expected to be addressed, alongside new circular-economy measures on reparability and spare-parts availability.
The act will take the form of a Commission Implementing Regulation and will be examined by the relevant comitology committee. Adoption is planned for the first quarter of 2026. These updates will further accelerate the deployment of clean, efficient heating technologies across residential and non-residential buildings.
Energy labelling requirements for water heaters and tanks (review / rescaling)
The energy label for water heaters and storage tanks, originally introduced in 2013, is also being revised to reflect technological progress. The Commission plans to introduce a new A–G scale, provide QR-code access to detailed product information, and improve differentiation between heaters, storage tanks and combination units. Indicators for smart-ready operation, refrigerant type and noise may also be added.
This measure will be adopted as a Commission Delegated Regulation and, following scrutiny by Parliament and Council, will enter into force with transitional provisions. The updated label will support more informed decision-making by professionals and consumers and facilitate product selection for renovation and ZEB/NZEB projects.
Conclusion
These four parallel initiatives signal a significant update to the regulatory framework governing heating technologies in Europe. They will reshape product design, system planning, installation practices and energy-efficiency strategies across the building sector.
REHVA will continue to monitor these dossiers closely, keep members and supporters informed throughout the legislative process, and coordinate input for advocacy where relevant.
We remain committed to supporting our community with timely policy intelligence and ensuring that the voice of the HVAC sector is heard in the development of Europe’s future energy and building policies.