Save energy at home
Energy star ratings
Energy star rating labels are designed to help you make the right choice when shopping for large appliances, like refrigerators, freezers, clothes washers, clothes dryers, dishwashers and air-conditioners.
Energy star ratings have two main features to help you make the best choice.
Ausgrid energy efficiency expert, Robert Simpson
Star rating
Firstly, the star rating gives a quick comparative assessment of the model's energy efficiency. Use the number of stars to compare to other similarly sized models. For example, if there are several 500 litre fridges you are thinking about purchasing, the one with the higher star rating will cost less to run.
Energy consumption (kWh)
The second feature is the comparative energy consumption, which is usually displayed in kilowatt hours (kWh) per year. Kilowatt hours (kWh) are the unit of energy you see on your electricity bill.
This provides an estimate of how much electrical energy the appliance uses annually based on typical use of the appliance in the home.
Estimating an annual cost
To convert the energy consumption to an annual cost, multiply the kWh figure by the rate you pay for electricity. Your electricity rate can be found on your electricity bill or by contacting your electricity retailer.
If you’re shopping around for a new appliance, remember these two tips:
- look at the stars to compare the energy efficiency of different models of the same size
- use the energy consumption figure on the label to help calculate the annual running costs.
Further information
Small appliance calculator http://www.energyrating.gov.au.