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Energy Ratings

About Energy Ratings

The energy rating label allows consumers to compare the energy efficiency of different appliances and also provides incentives for manufacturers to improve the energy performance of their products. It was first introduced in 1986 and is now compulsory in all states and territories for refrigerators, freezers, washing machines, clothes dryers, dishwashers, and air conditioners.

The star rating on the energy label gives a quick assessment of the appliance’s energy efficiency. The comparative energy consumption, which is usually measured in kilowatt hours per year, gives an estimate of the annual energy consumption of the appliance based on the tested energy consumption and information about the typical use of the appliance in the home.

How are Star Ratings Calculated?

Star ratings serve the purpose of allowing the consumer to compare the energy efficiency of different models of appliances. Therefore, energy efficiency is defined as “the energy service per unit of energy consumption”. Looking at the energy that an appliance consumes on its own is not very helpful as a big appliance will nearly always use more energy than a smaller appliance, as it is doing more work.

The star rating system has a minimum of one star and a maximum of six stars, shown in half star increments. Under the current system, the most efficient products are generally only three or four stars.

Choosing Energy Efficient Appliances

When it comes to choosing appliances, you should always take note of the amount of stars on the energy label. However, there are some more tips that can be used to ensure that you are getting the best appliance for you.

Air conditioners – there are three different energy rating labels for air conditioners – one for cooling only models, one for reverse-cycle models, and one for heating only models (which are rare in Australia). The blue band shows the efficiency when cooling and the red band shows the efficiency when heating. There are also two energy consumption figures – blue for cooling and red for heating. As well as checking the label, ensure that the air conditioner is the right size for the space. Allow .125kW per square metre of floor area to be cooled in living areas and .08kW per square metre of floor area to be cooled in bedrooms.
Dishwashers – find a dishwasher with a range of programs including economy options in order for you to be able to match the performance of the dishwasher to your needs and to save energy and water. As well as looking at the energy efficiency, look at the water efficiency. Cold water connections use the least energy.
Clothes dryers – can be timer or auto-sensing. Auto-sensing dryers save energy by avoiding over drying the load. Check the program options and temperature settings available.
Washing machines – top loaders have faster washing times, use more water, have a range of cold washing options, and generally have hot and cold water connections. Front loaders have slower washing times, use less water, and may only have cold water connections. Whatever type you choose, ensure that it is the right size, and comes with automatic load sensing and water level adjustment. Ensure that it washes in cold water, and has a good spin performance.
Refrigerators and freezers – ensure that the refrigerator or freezer is the right size. Refrigerators that are too empty or too full will not perform efficiently. Two door refrigerators with a top or bottom freezer are generally more efficient than side by side models. If two refrigerators of different sizes use the same amount of energy, the larger one is considered to be the more efficient.

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