Check Whether the High-Efficiency Certification Mark Means the Same as Energy Grade 1
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Key Takeaway
No, they don't mean the same. The agency describes high-efficiency certification as voluntary and efficiency grade labeling as mandatory. Don't read the mark as grade 1; find which system applies first.
How do the two systems differ?
Both relate to energy efficiency, but they differ in how you apply and in what the mark tells you. Divided by the agency's two system overviews, it looks like this.
| Item | High-efficiency equipment certification | Energy efficiency grade labeling |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Voluntary application by the manufacturer or importer | Mandatory reporting for covered products |
| What is judged | Whether efficiency and quality test results meet the public notice standard | A grade or a separate label based on efficiency and usage |
| Mark | High-efficiency certification mark | Grade 1 to 5 label or a category-specific label |
The date checked is October 10, 2026. The table only shows the difference between the systems and does not guarantee the certification or grade of any particular product.
What does high-efficiency certification confirm?
The agency explains that it issues a certificate to products that meet the published energy efficiency and quality test standards. Applicants go through testing under each category's technical standard and measurement method before applying. What the certification mark tells you goes only as far as whether the product met that system's standard.
So you can't swap the mark for another system's grade number, or assume two products with the same certification use the same amount of electricity. Match the certification information and specs of the model you want separately.
Why does the efficiency grade system have separate labels too?
The agency's efficiency grade system notice describes grade label display, product reporting, and applying the minimum energy performance standard as mandatory. Some categories use the grade 1 to 5 label, while it says a separate label applies to electric fan heaters, electric heaters, and others.
Having a separate label doesn't make a product high-efficiency certified. Check the system name written on the mark first, and then read the items actually on the label, such as power consumption or usage. The general description of a system and the marking on the product you will buy need to be looked at separately.
In what order do you check when comparing lighting or appliances?
If an online description says "high efficiency," first check which certification or label it refers to. Then, in the agency's product search for that system, match the category and exact model name, and look at the product marking and the manufacturer's specs together.
Don't assume that items that look close in use, like LED bulbs and light fixtures, share the same category or the same standard. First match the scope and display units of the products you want to compare. Whether it has certification or what the grade number is cannot by itself settle the electricity cost or savings rate of different products.
Product information
Candidates compared
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LG DIOS Objet Collection Refrigerator S834MEE111
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LG Tromm Washing Machine F21WDLPR
Check price and stock at the link. Product information is as of the date checked.
Frequently Asked Questions
If a product has high-efficiency certification, is its efficiency grade 1 too?
You can't judge grade 1 from the certification mark alone. The two systems are separate, and you need to check the mark that fits the category and model of the product.
Do all products under the efficiency grade system have a grade 1 to 5 label?
No. The Korea Energy Agency says a separate label applies to some categories, such as electric fan heaters and electric heaters.
If a product lacks high-efficiency certification, is it a low-efficiency product?
You can't judge that from whether it has certification alone. High-efficiency certification is a voluntary system that the manufacturer or importer of a covered category applies for, and you need to check each category's scope and standard first.
Sources & Verification Date
- High-Efficiency Certification System Overview (Korea Energy Agency) · Verified
- Efficiency Grade System Overview (Korea Energy Agency) · Verified
All materials have been verified from official announcements and may have changed since verification.