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Ten days left to vacuum up a powerful cleaner | Ten days left to vacuum up a powerful cleaner |
(about 20 hours later) | |
Anyone wanting to buy a powerful vacuum cleaner has only 10 days left to be certain of getting one - following new EU rules that come in next month. | Anyone wanting to buy a powerful vacuum cleaner has only 10 days left to be certain of getting one - following new EU rules that come in next month. |
From 1 September, companies in the EU will be banned from making or importing vacuum cleaners above 1600 watts. | From 1 September, companies in the EU will be banned from making or importing vacuum cleaners above 1600 watts. |
Hoover - based in South Wales - said that most of its cleaners were in that category. | Hoover - based in South Wales - said that most of its cleaners were in that category. |
Since July it has been replacing its models with less powerful versions, but a few of the old ones are still left on the shelves. | |
Elements of the directive are being challenged by the Dyson group. | |
The consumer organisation Which? says many of the models involved were rated as "best buys" by its researchers. | The consumer organisation Which? says many of the models involved were rated as "best buys" by its researchers. |
In one recent study, five of the top seven cleaners had motors of more than 1600 watts. | In one recent study, five of the top seven cleaners had motors of more than 1600 watts. |
The new European rules are part of the EU's energy efficiency directive, designed to help tackle climate change. | The new European rules are part of the EU's energy efficiency directive, designed to help tackle climate change. |
Among the models which will soon no longer be available are: | Among the models which will soon no longer be available are: |
No models made by Dyson are affected, as all the motors on their machines are below 1600w. | No models made by Dyson are affected, as all the motors on their machines are below 1600w. |
However manufacturers are bringing in new models, which they say are much more energy-efficient, and just as effective. | |
Court Challenge | Court Challenge |
The new EU directive on energy efficiency will also require manufacturers to put an energy rating on the box. | The new EU directive on energy efficiency will also require manufacturers to put an energy rating on the box. |
From 1 September, vacuum cleaners will be given seven different ratings, from A to G. | From 1 September, vacuum cleaners will be given seven different ratings, from A to G. |
This includes measuring the performance on hard floors, carpets, and how much dust is emitted. | This includes measuring the performance on hard floors, carpets, and how much dust is emitted. |
But the Dyson group is challenging this aspect of the new rules, and has applied for a judicial review of the EU directive. | But the Dyson group is challenging this aspect of the new rules, and has applied for a judicial review of the EU directive. |
It argues that the performance criteria do not include testing a vacuum cleaner when there is already dirt inside it - what it calls "dust-loaded". | It argues that the performance criteria do not include testing a vacuum cleaner when there is already dirt inside it - what it calls "dust-loaded". |
Dyson also says that 126 million cleaner bags and filters from new vacuum cleaners end up in landfill across the EU every year. | Dyson also says that 126 million cleaner bags and filters from new vacuum cleaners end up in landfill across the EU every year. |
Yet the new labelling system does not reflect the impact of used bags and filters on the environment. | Yet the new labelling system does not reflect the impact of used bags and filters on the environment. |
The rules will get even tougher in three years' time. | The rules will get even tougher in three years' time. |
From 1 September 2017, all vacuum cleaners will have to be less than 900w. | From 1 September 2017, all vacuum cleaners will have to be less than 900w. |