Energy Star Ratings in Australia Explained

When buying a new appliance in Australia, the energy star rating label is one of the most important things to look at. It tells you how efficient the appliance is and helps you estimate what it will cost to run. Here's exactly how it works.

What Is the Australian Energy Rating Label?

The Australian Government's Energy Rating Label is mandatory on a range of household appliances in Australia and New Zealand. It appears on fridges, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, televisions and pool pumps.

The label shows:

• A star rating — from 1 to 10 stars (more stars = more efficient)
• Annual energy consumption — measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh)
• A comparison bar — showing how the appliance compares to others in its category

How to Read the Stars

The star scale has evolved over time. In many categories, the top of the scale is now 10 stars (after a Super Efficiency label was added for the highest performers). In older categories, it may still run to 6 stars.

The stars represent energy efficiency relative to other models in the same size category — not an absolute measure. A 5-star 500L fridge and a 5-star 300L fridge both have excellent efficiency for their size — but the larger fridge will still use more total energy.

How to Calculate Annual Running Cost

The label shows annual kWh. Multiply by your electricity rate to get the annual cost:

Example: A fridge rated at 350 kWh/year
At $0.30/kWh: 350 × $0.30 = $105 per year

Use this calculation to compare the total cost of ownership, not just the purchase price. An appliance that costs $100 more but uses 100 kWh less per year pays back the difference in 3–4 years and then saves you money every year after.

Star Rating Differences by Category

Fridges

Fridge star ratings are tested at a fixed ambient temperature (32°C for tropical zones, 25°C for temperate zones). Fridges with separate compressors for fridge and freezer sections are often more efficient.

Washing Machines

Washing machine ratings cover cold water wash efficiency. Front loaders generally achieve higher ratings than top loaders. The label also shows water usage in litres per wash.

Air Conditioners

Reverse cycle air conditioners show two ratings — one for cooling and one for heating. Both matter. Look at the heating star rating carefully if you plan to use the system for winter heating.

Dishwashers

Dishwasher ratings cover a standard 65°C wash cycle. Models with half-load and eco-cycle options can run significantly more efficiently in day-to-day use.

The Energy Rating Website

You can search and compare all registered appliances at energyrating.gov.au. It's a free government resource that lets you compare the running costs of specific models side by side.

Does a Higher Star Rating Always Mean Better Value?

Not necessarily. A 5-star appliance that costs $400 more than a 3-star model might take 8 years to break even on running costs. Consider your usage, budget and expected ownership period when deciding how much to pay for efficiency.

That said, for appliances that run 24/7 (fridges) or multiple times per week (washing machines), efficiency pays back much faster than for occasional-use appliances.

Buying Efficient Appliances in Sydney

At Oceania Appliances, we carry energy-efficient appliances across all categories. Our team can help you compare running costs before you buy so you can make the right long-term decision.

Free delivery across Sydney, 3–6 month warranty on every appliance. Visit us in Wetherill Park or browse online — open 7 days.

Oceania Appliances — helping Sydney households make smarter appliance decisions.