How to Read an Australian Energy Star Rating
The Australian Energy Star rating label appears on fridges, washing machines, dishwashers, air conditioners and other appliances. It's a government-mandated rating system designed to help consumers compare appliance energy efficiency and make informed choices. Here's everything you need to know about how to read and use it.
The Rating Label Explained
An Australian Energy Rating label has four key elements:
- Star rating: A row of coloured stars filled to indicate efficiency. More stars = more efficient. The stars can go up to 10 (or more with the Super Efficient label). The star bars are colour-coded: red-orange stars for appliances below the best available efficiency; green stars for high efficiency
- Energy consumption figure: The annual energy use in kilowatt-hours (kWh) for typical operation. This is the most important number for calculating running costs
- Comparison bar: Shows how the appliance compares to others in its category — from least efficient (left) to most efficient (right). The arrow shows where this model sits
- Product category and size: The comparison is only valid within the same product category and similar size
Calculating Running Costs
To calculate approximately what an appliance will cost per year to run:
Formula: kWh rating × electricity rate per kWh = annual running cost
Example: A fridge rated 400 kWh per year at 30 cents per kWh: 400 × $0.30 = $120 per year
Sydney electricity rates typically range from 25–35 cents per kWh for standard residential tariffs. Using 30 cents as a mid-point is a reasonable estimate.
How the Star Ratings Work by Category
Refrigerators
Fridges are compared on annual kWh consumption within capacity ranges (a 500L fridge is compared to other 500L fridges, not 200L fridges). An energy-efficient 500L fridge might use 350–450 kWh/year; an inefficient model of the same size might use 600–700 kWh/year. That difference of ~200 kWh/year costs approximately $60 more annually and roughly $900 over a 15-year appliance life.
Washing Machines
Washing machines are rated on a standard number of cycles per week (varies by size category). The star rating reflects combined water heating energy and mechanical energy. Front-loaders are almost universally more energy efficient than top-loaders.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers are rated on a standard number of cycles per week. The most efficient models (5+ stars) can cost as little as $20–30 per year to run. Less efficient models may cost $60–80+ per year.
Water Efficiency: The WELS Rating
Separate from the energy star label, the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) rating appears on dishwashers, washing machines and taps. It uses a similar star system (1–6 stars) measuring water efficiency. More stars = less water per cycle. This matters particularly in Sydney and south-east Queensland where water prices and restrictions apply.
The Super Efficiency Sticker
Some appliances are so efficient they exceed the top of the standard scale. These get a separate "Super Efficient" (zapper) sticker showing their extended star rating. If you see one of these, it's among the most efficient products in its category and worth considering if energy cost is important to you.
How to Use This When Shopping
When comparing appliances of similar size and features, look at the annual kWh figure on the label rather than just the star count — it's the most direct way to compare running costs. Use the formula above to calculate the 10-year running cost and add it to the purchase price for a true cost-of-ownership comparison.
Shop Energy-Efficient Appliances at Oceania Appliances
Our team can help you identify the most energy-efficient models within your budget. We stock appliances from leading brands with strong energy ratings. Free delivery across Sydney. Visit 2/14 Centre Place, Wetherill Park, call or WhatsApp 0422 489 492, or email support@oceaniaappliances.com.au. Open 7 days, 10am–8pm.