Star Ratings and Energy Efficiency Explained
Energy rating labels on appliances have been around for more than 30 years.
You’ll be familiar with the energy rating labels, they’re the stickers with the star rating and the energy consumption number underneath, and you see them on almost every new appliance you buy.
The Energy Rating Label
Each energy rating label shows how much energy an appliance uses in the form of a star rating, usually from 1 to 6 stars, but some super-efficient appliances now have a rating from 7 to 10 stars.
It allows you to see how the appliance compares to others of the same size or capacity in terms of energy efficiency, and how much it will cost to run each year.
Star ratings come in whole and half stars, except for the models with 10 star rating capacity, their ratings only come in whole star increments. The more stars the appliance has, the more energy efficient it is.
This gives you another level of information when buying new appliances and lets you make an informed decision when you want to choose more energy efficient models.
The Energy Consumption Number
Beneath the star rating is the energy consumption number, the number of kWh the appliance uses on average each year.
The lower the number the less the appliance costs to run, but that’s on average. If you use your appliance more or less than is usual then the energy consumption estimate will be less accurate. How much you pay for your electricity is another factor that can change the expected running costs.
You can use the energy consumption number to compare models of different sizes and capacities to help you choose the right appliance for your needs.
Which Appliances Have the Energy Rating Label?
It’s now mandatory for the following appliances to display energy rating labels with a star rating and an estimated annual kWh consumption:
- Televisions
- Refrigerators
- Freezers
- Dishwashers
- Washing machines
- Clothes dryers
- Single phase, non-ducted air conditioners
- Computer monitors
Energy Rating Labels on Air Conditioners
From 2019, a Zoned Energy Rating Label is being introduced for air conditioners.
It divides Australia and New Zealand into three different climate zones and provides energy consumption estimates for heating and cooling in each zone.
It no longer shows an annual energy consumption number, but instead shows how much energy is required to produce the stated capacity of the appliance.
Heating and Air Conditioning Service Melbourne
Efficient Pure Plumbing is your specialist for heating and cooling systems for your home or business. With over 20 years of experience, we offer a full range of services with a 6-year new installation guarantee and we’ll beat any written quote on installation and repairs.
We’re experts in all the major brands including Daikin, Braemar, Breezair, Bonaire, Mitsubishi and ActronAir, and we’re the highest rated company for customer service in Victoria.
Give us a call on +61 3 9792 3261, contact us online, or email us at info@heatingcoolingsystems.com.au for more information, professional advice or a free no obligation quote on all your heating and cooling requirements.