How to Read Energy Star Ratings on Australian Appliances

Every major appliance sold in Australia carries an energy rating label. These labels help you compare the running costs of different appliances. Here's how to read them and what they actually mean for your power bill.

What Is the Energy Rating Label?

The Australian Energy Rating Label is the red, yellow and blue label with stars that you see on fridges, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers and air conditioners. It was introduced to help consumers compare the energy efficiency of similar products.

How the Star Rating Works

Stars range from 1 to 10 (some appliances go up to 6, others to 10). The more stars, the more energy efficient the appliance. A 5-star appliance uses less electricity than an equivalent 3-star appliance.

The star rating is calculated by comparing the appliance's energy consumption against others of the same capacity in the same category. This means you can only compare ratings within the same product type and capacity range — a 400L fridge's rating can't be directly compared to a 600L fridge's rating using stars alone.

The Energy Consumption Figure

Below the stars, you'll see a number showing annual energy consumption in kilowatt hours (kWh). This is the most useful figure for calculating your actual costs.

For example: if a fridge shows 350 kWh per year, multiply by your electricity rate. At 30 cents per kWh (a typical Sydney rate), that's $105 per year to run.

Zoning for Comparison

Some labels show a range of similar products. The arrow or bar shows where this specific appliance sits compared to others in its category. An arrow towards the green end means more efficient than most; towards the red end means less efficient.

Appliance-Specific Labels

• Fridges and freezers — Annual kWh consumption shown directly
• Washing machines — Shows energy per wash at warm and cold settings
• Dryers — Energy per kg of cotton dried
• Dishwashers — Energy per wash cycle
• Air conditioners — Shows both cooling and heating efficiency

How Much Does a Star Rating Difference Cost?

Moving from 2.5 stars to 4.5 stars on a fridge can save $40 to $80 per year. Over 10 years, that's $400 to $800. For a washing machine or dryer, the savings are typically smaller but still meaningful.

Tips for Buying Energy-Efficient Appliances

• Compare appliances of the same size and category
• Look at the kWh figure, not just the stars
• Calculate annual running cost by multiplying kWh by your electricity rate
• A more efficient appliance may cost more upfront but save money over time

At Oceania Appliances, we can help you find energy-efficient appliances at great prices. All our appliances come with 3 to 6 month warranty and free Sydney delivery.