The energy star label on a fridge might look simple, but understanding it can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of your appliance. Here's a plain-English guide to reading energy star ratings in Australia and what to look for when buying.
What Is the Energy Star Rating System?
Australia and New Zealand use the Energy Star Rating system, administered by the Australian Government under the Energy Rating Label Program. The label shows:
- Stars — The more stars, the more energy-efficient the appliance
- Annual Energy Consumption — Shown in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. Lower is better.
- Comparison Bar — Shows how the model compares to similar-sized fridges on the market
How Many Stars Should a Fridge Have?
The scale runs from 1 to 10 stars (with some models achieving super-efficient 10+ star ratings). As a guide:
- 1–2 stars — Below average, will cost more to run
- 3–4 stars — Average efficiency
- 5–6 stars — Good efficiency, noticeable savings
- 7+ stars — Excellent, the most efficient models available
How Much Does a Star Actually Save?
As a rough guide, moving from a 2-star to a 4-star fridge of similar size can save $80–$150 per year on electricity, depending on your energy tariff. Over 10 years, that's $800–1,500 in savings.
Tips for Buying an Energy-Efficient Fridge
- Compare models of similar capacity on the annual kWh figure, not just the stars
- Smaller fridges naturally use less energy — don't buy oversized
- Frost-free models typically use slightly more energy than manual defrost
- Inverter compressor fridges are generally more efficient
Find Energy-Efficient Fridges at Oceania Appliances
We stock energy-efficient fridges from Samsung, LG, Fisher & Paykel, Bosch, and Westinghouse in all sizes. Shop our range at oceaniaappliances.com.au/collections/fridges-freezers. Free Sydney delivery.