What Energy Star Ratings Really Mean in Australia
Every major appliance sold in Australia displays an Energy Rating Label — that yellow sticker with stars and a large number. But what does it actually mean, and how do you use it to compare appliances and calculate running costs? This guide explains everything.
How the Energy Rating System Works
Australia's Energy Rating Label system is managed by the Australian Government's Energy Rating program. It has two components:
1. The Star Rating
Stars indicate how energy-efficient an appliance is compared to similar products of the same size and type. More stars = more efficient relative to its peers.
- 1–2 stars: Below average efficiency for its class
- 3 stars: Average efficiency
- 4–5 stars: Above average — good choice
- 6 stars: Excellent — near the best available
Important: a 6-star 500L fridge uses more energy in absolute terms than a 4-star 300L fridge. The stars compare within the same size category, not across all appliances.
2. The Energy Consumption Number
Below the stars is a number showing annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. This is the most useful figure for calculating actual running costs.
How to Calculate Annual Running Cost
Formula: Annual kWh × Electricity rate = Annual running cost
Example: A fridge rated at 420 kWh/year at Sydney's current electricity rate of $0.37/kWh:
420 kWh × $0.37 = $155.40/year to run
Compare two fridges:
- Fridge A: 400 kWh/year × $0.37 = $148/year
- Fridge B: 500 kWh/year × $0.37 = $185/year
- Annual savings with Fridge A: $37/year
Over 10 years, that's $370 in savings — which could justify paying $200–$300 more for the more efficient model.
Zoned Energy Rating Labels
Some appliances (particularly air conditioners) now display Zoned Energy Rating Labels that show efficiency for different Australian climate zones — Hot, Average, and Cold. Sydney falls in the "Average" zone.
Air Conditioner Energy Ratings: CoP and EER
Air conditioners use two additional metrics:
- EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio): Efficiency in cooling mode. Higher = better.
- COP (Coefficient of Performance): Efficiency in heating mode. Higher = better.
The star rating on an air conditioner is derived from these values. A unit that is very efficient in both heating and cooling will have high star ratings in both modes.
Comparing Appliances Using Energy Ratings
When comparing two appliances, always compare the annual kWh figure rather than just the star rating. This gives you a direct cost comparison. The stars help narrow your search, but the kWh number is what tells you the actual cost difference.
Energy Ratings on Used Appliances
Older appliances often have lower star ratings than newer equivalents because efficiency standards have improved over time. However, an older appliance may still be cost-effective if its purchase price is significantly lower. At Oceania Appliances, we can tell you the energy rating for any appliance in our stock — just ask when enquiring.
Browse our range at oceaniaappliances.com.au or call 0450 700 001. Free delivery across Sydney.