How to Read Energy Star Ratings on Australian Appliances
When shopping for appliances in Australia, you'll see a distinctive yellow and black star label on most major appliances. This is the Australian Energy Star Rating (officially called the Energy Rating Label), and understanding how to read it properly can save you hundreds of dollars per year on your electricity bill — and help you make a genuinely better buying decision. Here's everything you need to know.
What Is the Energy Rating Label?
The Energy Rating Label is a mandatory scheme administered by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) under the Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) programme. It applies to most major residential appliances sold in Australia and New Zealand, including fridges, washing machines, dryers, dishwashers, air conditioners, televisions and more.
The label has three key components:
- The star rating (the more stars, the more energy efficient)
- The energy consumption figure (in kWh per year)
- The comparison market statement (shows how the product compares to others in its class)
Understanding the Star Rating
The star scale currently runs from 1 star (least efficient) to 10 stars (most efficient), though the scale is adjusted periodically as technology improves. The key thing to understand is that the star scale is relative to other products in the same size/capacity class. A 5-star 600L fridge is not necessarily more efficient in absolute terms than a 3-star 300L fridge — it uses more energy overall because it's bigger, but it's more efficient for its size.
Products that significantly exceed the standard earn Super Efficiency stars, shown as a band of additional red stars above the standard 6-star scale. These indicate genuinely exceptional efficiency.
The Annual Energy Consumption Figure
The number in the bottom section of the label (expressed in kWh per year) is the most directly useful figure for calculating running costs. To calculate the annual running cost:
Annual cost = kWh per year × your electricity rate
For example: a fridge rated at 400 kWh/year, with electricity at 30 cents/kWh, costs $120/year to run. A more efficient model at 280 kWh/year costs $84/year — a saving of $36/year. Over 15 years of operation, that's $540 in savings.
How the Consumption Figure Is Measured
Energy consumption figures are measured under standardised test conditions — controlled ambient temperature, specific test loads and cycles. Real-world energy use can be higher or lower depending on your climate (a Sydney summer makes your fridge work harder than a Tasmanian winter), how full you keep the appliance, and how you use it. The figure is best used for comparative shopping rather than predicting exact running costs.
Energy Ratings by Appliance Type
Fridges
Fridge star ratings are adjusted for size, so you can compare models within the same capacity class. When comparing two fridges of different sizes, look at the kWh/year figure rather than the star rating alone.
Washing Machines
Washing machine ratings cover cold water fill, so the label reflects the machine's internal heating energy. Using cold water washing programmes (most modern machines have excellent cold wash cycles) can significantly reduce running costs regardless of the star rating.
Dryers
Dryers are among the most energy-intensive domestic appliances. A heat pump dryer can earn 7–8 stars and use 50–60% less energy than a conventional vented dryer. The energy star label makes this difference very visible.
Dishwashers
Dishwasher ratings cover both energy and water use (also shown on the WELS water efficiency label). Running dishwashers on eco or cold programmes significantly reduces energy use compared to standard cycles.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners show separate heating and cooling star ratings (Zoned Energy Rating Label). The Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) for cooling and Heating Seasonal Performance Factor (HSPF) for heating are the underlying metrics.
WELS Water Efficiency Label
Separate from the energy rating, washing machines, dishwashers, taps, showers and toilets also carry the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards) label, which rates water efficiency in stars. This is particularly relevant in Sydney given water restrictions and the cost of water bills. Front-loader washing machines typically achieve 4–5 stars for water efficiency; top-loaders typically score 3–4 stars.
Using Energy Ratings to Buy Smarter
When comparing appliances:
- Compare within the same capacity class (a 500L fridge vs a 500L fridge)
- Look at the kWh/year figure for running cost calculations
- Factor in purchase price vs lifetime energy savings (a more expensive but efficient model often pays back the premium within 3–5 years)
- For long-life appliances (fridges, washing machines), energy efficiency has a much bigger lifetime impact than for shorter-life products
Shop Energy-Efficient Appliances at Oceania Appliances
We stock energy-efficient models across all major appliance categories. Our team can advise on the energy ratings and running costs of any model we sell. 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.