What Energy Star Rating Should Your Fridge Have? A Sydney Guide

Your refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. It is typically one of the top three energy consumers in a Sydney home, alongside air conditioning and water heating. The energy star rating on a fridge is therefore one of the most important purchase decisions you will make — not just for the environment but for your electricity bill over the next 10 to 15 years.

How the Australian Energy Star Rating Works

Fridges sold in Australia are rated on a 1 to 6 star scale under the Australian Energy Rating scheme (administered by the Equipment Energy Efficiency program, E3). The more stars, the more energy-efficient the appliance. Some models now qualify for a “super-efficient” rating that shows additional stars above 6.

The star rating compares the appliance to others in the same category and size range — it is a relative efficiency measure, not an absolute one. A larger fridge with 4 stars will use more electricity in total than a smaller fridge with 3 stars, even though the larger one is more efficient for its size.

What Star Rating Is Reasonable for 2025?

• 1–2 stars: Below average efficiency. Avoid these for a primary fridge unless there are no alternatives
• 3 stars: Acceptable minimum — still reasonably common on basic models
• 3.5–4 stars: Good efficiency — this is where most mid-range fridges from reputable brands sit
• 4.5–5 stars: Very good — worth targeting for large-capacity fridges that will run for many years
• 5.5–6+ stars: Best available efficiency — found on premium inverter models from LG, Samsung, Fisher & Paykel and Mitsubishi Electric

Estimated Annual Running Costs by Star Rating

At Sydney's current electricity rate of approximately 32 cents/kWh, a typical 500-litre fridge costs approximately:

• 3 star: $180–$220 per year
• 4 star: $140–$170 per year
• 5 star: $100–$130 per year
• 6 star: $80–$100 per year

Over a 12-year fridge lifespan, moving from a 3-star to a 5-star fridge saves $600 to $1,000 in electricity. For large-capacity French-door models, the savings are even greater.

Inverter Compressors and Energy Efficiency

Fridges with inverter (variable-speed) compressors are more efficient than those with fixed-speed compressors. The inverter compressor adjusts speed to match the cooling demand rather than cycling on and off at full power. All premium fridges and most mid-range models from reputable brands now use inverter compressors.

Practical Advice When Buying

• Always compare the annual energy consumption in kWh (shown on the energy label) in addition to the star rating
• Bigger fridges use more energy in total even if they have high star ratings — buy the size you need, no bigger
• If the showroom model has poor energy star ratings compared to competitors at the same price, there is usually a reason

See Energy-Efficient Fridges at Oceania Appliances

We carry fridges from 3 to 6 stars at our Wetherill Park showroom. Free delivery across Sydney. Call 0493 300 490 or visit oceaniaappliances.com.au.