Powerful hairdryers, next on EU's ban list? Let us know what you think!

With the introduction of new European legislation, with the aim of meeting targets for energy efficiency, we have already seen a ban on vacuum cleaners rated above 1,600 watts. The ban will cover any vacuum cleaner over 900 watts in 2017. According to the European Commission the rules will contribute to saving 19 terawatt-hours every year by 2020. This is the equivalent of the electricity produced by four power plants for 5.5m homes.

Next for the chop, in the European Unions attempt at tackling climate change, could be powerful hairdryers. Hairdryers tend to range from around 900 watts up to as much as 2,300 watts. Fears are emerging throughout hairdressers and consumers that more powerful models favoured by salons will no longer be available. Critics describe the plan as "ill thought out" and claim that it would be unlikely that the plans would save energy and could make hairdressers vulnerable to arm, back and wrist injuries as it could increase the amount of time it takes to dry a client’s hair. National hairdressers federation president Paul Curry, owner of Studio 12 in York, said: “We all want to do our bit for the environment but these ludicrous changes, if they do become law, are ill thought out and could be potentially very damaging to our industry.”

As well as hairdryers there are up to 30 other appliances that appear in the study requested by the European Commission in order to meet a target for energy savings of 30 per cent across the EU by 2030. Other appliances that appear in the study include toasters, kettles, wifi routers, lawn mowers and smartphones. 

The study carried out by the European Commission will determine which appliances need to be regulated, in order to best reach targets for 2030, and make recommendations as to the most effective way to regulate the chosen appliances. 

Günther Oettinger, the German EU energy commissioner, explained that legislation preventing consumers from buying high-wattage appliances was necessary to fight climate change. He explained “We haven't got round to these devices yet, we want curb power consumption. All EU countries agree that energy efficiency is the most effective method to reduce energy consumption and dependence on imports and to improve the climate. Therefore there needs to be mandatory consumption limits for small electrical appliances.”

Have your say!!!

Do you believe that limiting the power of every day appliances is a step in the right direction when it comes to tackling climate change and reducing our energy consumption. Or, do you believe the new rules could have harmful effects on the market and certain industries and effect the quality and functionality of future products.

Please let us know and have your say by using the comment box below.