What Energy Star Rating Should You Look For When Buying Appliances?
Australia's Energy Rating labelling system is one of the most practical tools available to appliance buyers. It makes it easy to compare the running costs of different models and choose one that balances upfront price with long-term electricity savings. Here's what the ratings mean and what to look for across different appliance types.
How the Australian Energy Rating System Works
The Australian Government's Energy Rating Label shows a star rating (1–6 stars, with a Super Efficient rating that extends beyond 6 for the best-performing models) and an estimated annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). Both numbers matter.
The star rating tells you where the appliance ranks against others of the same type and similar size — more stars means more efficient. The kWh figure tells you the actual estimated electricity use, which you can multiply by your electricity rate (around 30–40 cents per kWh in Sydney) to estimate annual running cost.
Fridges and Freezers
Fridges run 24/7, so their energy efficiency has the biggest impact on your bill. Aim for at least 3.5–4 stars. A 1-star difference in a fridge can represent $50–$100 per year in running cost difference. French door and side-by-side models typically use more energy than top or bottom mount models of similar capacity.
Washing Machines
Both energy rating (how much electricity the wash cycle uses) and water rating (litres per wash) matter for washing machines. Front load machines consistently rate higher than top loaders on energy and water. Aim for 4+ energy stars and 4+ water stars for a front loader.
Dishwashers
Dishwashers have both energy and water ratings. Modern dishwashers are surprisingly efficient — more efficient per load than hand-washing when fully loaded. Aim for 4+ stars on energy and water.
Air Conditioners
Air conditioners show separate cooling and heating star ratings. The number of zones and seasons you'll use the system affects which matters more. For Sydney's climate (more cooling than heating needed), the cooling star rating is more important. Aim for 5+ stars in cooling.
Dryers
Clothes dryers are significant electricity users. Heat pump dryers achieve 8–10 stars versus 2–3 for conventional vented dryers — a massive difference in running cost for high-use households.
The Bottom Line
Always check the kWh figure alongside the star rating. A large appliance can have high star ratings but still use more electricity than a smaller, lower-rated model. The kWh number gives you the real comparison for your specific use case.
Oceania Appliances stocks energy-efficient appliances across all categories with free delivery across Sydney. Shop online or visit our Wetherill Park showroom.