How to Read an Australian Energy Star Rating
Every major home appliance sold in Australia must display an energy rating label. Understanding what this label tells you is essential for making good appliance buying decisions — it directly affects your running costs for the life of the appliance.
The Energy Rating Label: What It Shows
The Australian Energy Rating Label has several components:
The Star Rating
Stars indicate relative efficiency compared to other appliances of similar size and type. More stars = more efficient. The rating is from 1 to 6 stars for most appliances. A zoned star rating (shown as half-stars or additional stars beyond 6) is used for the most efficient products — these appear as 1–3 extra stars above the standard 6-star scale, often shown in a different colour (typically red or orange).
The Annual Energy Consumption Figure
Below or beside the stars, the label shows an annual energy consumption figure in kilowatt hours (kWh). This is calculated based on standardised test conditions and assumes typical usage patterns. This number is what you use to calculate your running cost.
How to Calculate Your Running Cost
To estimate your annual electricity cost from an appliance:
Formula: Annual kWh × Electricity cost per kWh = Annual running cost
Example: A fridge with an annual consumption of 350 kWh in Sydney (average electricity rate approximately $0.32/kWh):
350 kWh × $0.32 = $112 per year
Compare this across different models to see the real cost difference over a 10-year appliance life.
Comparing Models: The Right Way
Energy star ratings are only directly comparable between products of the same type and similar size. A 5-star 400L fridge uses less energy per litre than a 2-star 400L fridge. But a 5-star 300L fridge may actually use less total energy than a 5-star 500L fridge, because there's simply more to cool.
Always compare the annual kWh figure on the label — not just the number of stars — when comparing models of different sizes.
Energy Ratings by Appliance Type
| Appliance | Rating System | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerators/freezers | Energy stars | 5+ stars; check annual kWh for size |
| Washing machines | Energy stars + WELS (water) | 4+ energy stars; 4+ WELS water stars |
| Dishwashers | Energy stars + WELS (water) | 4+ energy stars; 5+ WELS water stars |
| Air conditioners | Separate cooling and heating stars | 4+ stars for both cooling and heating |
| Clothes dryers | Energy stars | 7+ stars for heat pump dryers |
Oceania Appliances: Energy-Efficient Appliances in Sydney
All appliances we sell carry clear energy rating information. We can help you compare the running costs of different models. Contact us at support@oceaniaappliances.com.au or visit our Wetherill Park showroom, open 7 days 10am–8pm.