The Energy Rating Label Explained
Every major appliance sold in Australia must display an Energy Rating Label — that yellow sticker with stars and a number. Most people glance at the stars and move on. Understanding what the numbers actually mean can help you make smarter buying decisions and significantly reduce your electricity and water bills over the appliance's lifetime.
The Star Rating
The star rating (1 to 10 stars, though the scale varies by appliance type) indicates how efficiently the appliance uses energy compared to other products in the same category. More stars = more efficient = lower running costs.
Key point: stars are relative to other products in the same category. A 6-star fridge and a 6-star washing machine are not directly comparable — they're simply each efficient within their own category.
The Energy Consumption Number
Below the stars is an annual energy consumption figure — measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. This is calculated based on standard usage assumptions.
How to calculate running cost:
- Multiply the kWh/year figure by your electricity tariff (typically $0.25–$0.35 per kWh in Sydney)
- Example: A fridge rated at 320 kWh/year at $0.30/kWh = $96 per year to run
- Compare two fridges: 320 kWh vs 450 kWh = $38 difference annually = ~$570 over 15 years
Water Rating Labels
Washing machines and dishwashers also carry a Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme (WELS) label — a blue label with stars and a litres-per-cycle figure.
- More stars = less water used per cycle
- The number shown is litres per wash
- Example: A washing machine using 60L per cycle vs 95L saves 35L per wash — at 5 washes per week that's 9,100 litres per year
Comparing Appliances Using the Label
Fridges
Look at the kWh/year figure. Modern 400L+ fridges typically range from 250–500 kWh/year. A difference of 100 kWh/year costs about $25–35 extra annually over 15 years = $375–$525 extra in electricity.
Washing Machines
Look at both energy (kWh per year) and water (litres per wash). Front-loaders consistently use less of both than top-loaders.
Dishwashers
Rated in kWh per wash. Modern efficient models use 0.8–1.0 kWh per cycle. At 365 cycles a year, that's 290–365 kWh annually — $73–$127/year in electricity.
Air Conditioners
Rated differently: they show a kWh figure in cooling mode and separately in heating mode. Also look for the COP (Coefficient of Performance) — how many kW of heating/cooling you get for every kW of electricity. Higher COP = more efficient.
The Super Efficiency Zone (Superscript Stars)
Some appliances have additional 'bonus' stars — shown as superscript or in a different colour — indicating they exceed the standard scale. This means they're significantly more efficient than the star scale originally anticipated when it was designed.
Practical Advice
- Don’t just buy on star rating alone — compare the actual kWh/year figure between models
- Calculate the total cost of ownership (purchase price + estimated electricity over 10 years) when comparing two similar models at different price points
- A more efficient appliance often pays back its premium price within 2–5 years in energy savings
At Oceania Appliances, we can help you find quality second-hand and refurbished appliances with strong energy ratings at accessible prices. Visit our Wetherill Park showroom or shop online — free delivery across Sydney.