Energy-Efficient Appliances Australia: How to Save on Your Power Bill in 2025
Australian electricity prices are among the highest in the world. In 2025, the average Sydney household pays around 30–35 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh). Appliances account for approximately 30% of a typical household's energy consumption. Upgrading to energy-efficient appliances is one of the most effective things you can do to reduce your electricity bill — and unlike behavioural changes, the savings are automatic every time the appliance runs.
Understanding Star Ratings in Australia
The Australian Government's Energy Rating Label system (run by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water) provides star ratings on major appliances. The more stars, the more energy-efficient the appliance:
- Energy Star Rating: 1–6 stars. Some highly efficient models receive a super-efficient rating shown with a larger label (effectively 7–10 stars).
- WELS Water Efficiency Label: 1–6 stars for water-using appliances (dishwashers, washing machines).
Always check the annual kWh consumption number on the label, not just the star count. Two 5-star fridges from different brands may use different amounts of electricity per year.
Fridge: Your Home's Biggest Energy Consumer
The fridge runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, making it typically the largest single appliance energy consumer in an Australian home. The difference between an inefficient older fridge and a modern energy-efficient model can be substantial:
- A 10-year-old 450L fridge may use 500–700 kWh/year ($150–$245/year at 35c/kWh)
- A new 5-star 450L fridge may use 280–350 kWh/year ($98–$122/year)
- Annual saving: $50–$120+. Over 10 years: $500–$1,200+ in energy savings
Tips for fridge efficiency:
- Keep the fridge at 3–4°C (not colder)
- Allow 5cm clearance on all sides for airflow
- Keep door seals clean and tight
- Keep the fridge at least two-thirds full (empty fridge loses cold air faster when opened)
Washing Machine: The Water and Energy Double-Save
Modern front loaders use 40–60% less water and 30–40% less electricity than older agitator top loaders. For a household doing 7 loads per week at current energy and water prices, switching from an old top loader to a 5-star front loader can save $100–$200 per year on combined energy and water bills.
Tips to reduce washing machine costs:
- Wash in cold water (90% of a washing cycle's energy is used heating water)
- Always run full loads
- Use the right amount of HE detergent
Dishwasher: More Efficient Than Hand-Washing
A modern 5-star dishwasher uses approximately 9–12L of water per cycle. Hand-washing the same load uses 50–80L. For households who hand-wash regularly, switching to a dishwasher actually reduces water consumption significantly while saving time.
Air Conditioner: Huge Efficiency Gains in New Models
Inverter split system air conditioners have improved dramatically in efficiency. A 5-star inverter split system is typically 30–50% more efficient than a 10-year-old non-inverter model. Given that air conditioning is one of the largest seasonal energy consumers in Sydney, upgrading an old system can provide very significant savings over summer.
How to Find Energy-Efficient Appliances
The Australian Government's energyrating.gov.au website lets you search and compare the energy consumption of registered appliances before you buy. Always check this alongside the star rating.
See Our Energy-Efficient Range at Oceania Appliances
We display Energy Star and WELS water ratings for all appliances in our range. Our team can help you find the most efficient appliance in your budget. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom at 2/14 Centre Place (open 7 days, 10am–8pm), call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au.