You’ve probably noticed that many of your appliances, especially the newer models, come with a star rating system. But do you know what this system means? Energy rating labels are there to inform consumers about the energy efficiency of a specific appliance. Essentially, the more stars on the label, the more energy-efficient the appliance is compared to others in its category. On the contrary, fewer stars indicate lower energy efficiency. Understanding these ratings can help you make more informed decisions when purchasing appliances, ultimately saving you money on energy bills and reducing your environmental impact.
What is the Energy Rating Label?
The Energy Rating Label is part of the Australian and New Zealand Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program. It helps consumers make informed choices and gives them more information about the appliances they are buying. The Energy Rating Label is displayed on:
- Air conditioners
- Clothes dryers
- Clothes washers
- Computer monitors
- Dishwashers
- Fridges and freezers
- Pool pumps
- TVs
Which star rating should you choose?
While most appliances typically fall within the one to six-star rating range, there are now products available boasting a stellar rating of ten for exceptional efficiency. However, it’s not always straightforward to assume that opting for the highest star-rated product is the best choice. It’s important to keep in mind that the rating considers factors such as the size and features of an appliance. The key is to determine your specific size and feature requirements first. Once you have that sorted, you can then use the star rating system to compare which appliance consumes the least energy while meeting your needs. This approach ensures you find the optimal balance between energy efficiency and functionality tailored to your preferences.
Each label will also have an estimated energy consumption per year on it. This is based on a standardised testing that is required by law and it is based on how most people use their appliance. Of course, you might use yours differently. So, if you want to work out what your energy consumption for that product would be, use this formula:
Annual running cost = Total energy consumption (kWh) × Electricity tariff (dollars per kWh)
Should you use the energy rating system?
The rating system is there to help you make informed decisions and should be used when comparing similar appliances. When used correctly, it can help you save huge amounts of money each year. With the rising costs in electricity bills, the more you can do to help cut your costs, the better. For products without an energy rating on them, simply find out their energy usage and compare them with similar products. Although thankfully these days it is becoming more coming to see the rating label on appliances to help you make your choice.
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