Energy Star Ratings On Electrical Appliances Explained

Energy star ratings and labels are regulated by the government to guide consumers with purchasing electrical appliances. They make it easy to compare products of the same use and sizes on how energy efficient they are. Purchasing products with higher stars and less electricity consumed will decrease the energy bill costs and help with the environment. 

What Does the Star Rating Mean?

Each product will be given a star rating on how efficiently it uses energy when compared to similar models. The more stars appliances have means the more energy efficient appliances are. Often star ratings will range from one and to six but some products have ratings of up to ten. Star ratings should be compared to appliances that are of similar sizes.

What Does the Energy Consumption Number Mean?

Through the government’s regulations, tests are performed on each product to determine how much electricity they use. The energy consumption label describes how much electricity the specific model uses each year. The lower the number means it uses less electricity and will overall be less expensive to run. Energy consumption labels and comparing appliances do not need them to be the same size, unlike star rating comparisons. 

Within Australia, there are specific products that need to have the energy ratings listed on them, including:

• Washing Machines
• Air Conditioners
• Computer Monitors
• Televisions
• Clothes Dryers
• Fridges and Freezers
• Dishwashers

It is important to compare the star ratings of products that are of similar uses, sizes and capacities.  For instance, a 300 litre fridge should be compared with another 300 litre fridge on how efficient the two different models are. If comparing the appliances and they are of different capacities or sizes then this will offer inaccurate information on which one is more efficient.

Using both the star ratings and the energy consumption information will make it easy to find out how much the appliance will cost in the long term. It is important to know that appliances with higher star and energy consumption ratings often cost a bit more when buying the item. This is because they are built with more advanced technology that will use energy much more efficiently. In the long term, it costs less to purchase higher star rating appliances over cheaper but less star rating products.

To calculate the running costs of appliances use the energy rating label and the energy consumption number. Divide this number by four for a general representation of how much running costs are. Within Australia, most energy rates are within 20c – 30c per kWh which is a quarter of a dollar. For example, an appliance that states it uses 400kWh indicates it will cost $100 a year to run. 

There is also an online calculator that will make it easy to compare different models of similar products. This tool is highly recommended to use as it offers accurate and clear representations of how much products will cost.

When it comes to reducing the energy bill costs, energy star ratings are a key factor in this. These labels offer a clear guide to consumers on how much energy and electricity the product will use. This information will help when it comes to:

• Comparing other appliances and products on how efficient they use energy
• Knowing how beneficial the product comes to being environmentally friendly due to it using less energy
• Providing a guideline when shopping for new appliances, ranging from hot water systems, security lighting to smoke alarms
• An overall understanding of running costs, energy consumption and electricity usage