Star ratings on appliances are something we see all the time, however, have you ever wondered what their purpose is? When trying to buy a new appliance, such as a fridge or a dishwasher, it can be quite overwhelming. There are countless different sizes, prices, types, and functions. The star rating (also known as the energy rating label) is there to help you make a smarter decision for your needs- and your wallet.
Having all information possible at the point of sale is very important in making the right decision when purchasing. Star ratings allow you to see how energy efficient an appliance is and compare it to other models before your purchase. The more stars an appliance has, the more energy efficient it is.
Most appliances have a rating of 1 to 6 stars. However, as technology and energy efficiency are improving, so is the star rating system. Because of this some appliances are now showing up to 10 stars to reflect their fantastic energy efficiency!
What is energy efficiency?
Energy efficiency relates to how much energy the appliance consumes. These consumption amounts are regulated by the Australian Government and based on standardised testing of the models. Higher star rating means less energy is consumed, and therefore a lower power bill. To put it simply, choosing an appliance with a better star rating and energy consumption is always the better decision. This will mean you are not only reducing your footprint and how much electricity you are using, but you are subsequently reducing money spent. So, if you have found two appliances for a similar price, we suggest buying the option with the higher star rating.
If you’re wanting to take your energy consumption and power bill predictions to the next level, there is a quick and simple way to calculate an approximate cost for running the appliance. You simply take the energy consumption figure of the appliance and divide it by four. This will give you an approximate spend per year to run this appliance, as the average spend per kWh in Australia is 25c. For example, if an appliance has an energy rating of 400kWh, you can expect to spend roughly around $100 a year to run that appliance.
Standard consumption
It’s important to note that the energy consumption figures shown only reflect standard consumption. If you use the appliance more than is considered standard, your energy consumption will be a larger amount. Factors like climate can also influence energy usage. Star ratings on air conditioners in Australia and New Zealand are a perfect example of this. The star rating labels are divided into three climate zones across Australia and New Zealand when regarding air conditioners, as each climate takes a different amount of energy to cool or heat. Air conditioners also carry different star ratings for both their cooling and heating systems.
If you’re in the market for a new appliance, take note of star ratings next time you go to browse for the best model. They’re not only great for the planet, but great for your wallet! If you’re concerned about the energy efficiency of your current appliances, or any other aspect of your appliance needs, contact Bayside Appliance Repairs today.
