Dear Ms Connected,

When looking for new appliances I’m noticing more and more have “energy ratings”. Does the energy rating of my appliances really make that much of a difference?

Fran K., Gladstone, QLD.

Dear Fran,

This is an example of a typical energy rating sticker you would find on a clothes dryer.

In a word- YES, it does make a difference both to the environment and your energy bills. Here’s why: 

According to www.energyrating.gov.au energy consumed by appliances and equipment is a major source of greenhouse gas emissions responsible for more than a quarter of net greenhouse gas emissions in Australia. 

The Energy Rating label enables you as a consumer to compare the energy efficiency of domestic appliances and therefore make a conscious choice that will save you when it comes to energy bills but also help the environment. 

The scheme also provides an incentive for manufacturers to improve the energy performance of appliances, because as the consumer community becomes more environmentally conscious, this could influence what brand of appliance they choose to buy. 

The Energy Rating Label
The label itself has two main features: The star rating and the comparative energy consumption. 

The star rating gives a quick comparative assessment of the model's energy efficiency, the more stars, the more efficient. 

The comparative energy consumption (usually kilowatt hours/year) provides an estimate of the annual energy consumption of the appliance based on the tested energy consumption and information about the typical use of the appliance in the home. However, air conditioners show the power consumption of the appliance in kilowatts/hour. 

Energy efficiency labelling is part of the Equipment Energy Efficiency Program (E3), an Australian Government initiative that covers the technical, legal, and administrative aspects of national appliance and equipment energy efficiency initiatives, in particular mandatory minimum energy performance standards and energy efficiency labelling. 

It is currently mandatory for all of the following electrical products offered for sale in Australia to carry an approved energy label: 

• refrigerators and freezers.
• clothes washers.
• clothes dryers.
• Dishwashers.
• air conditioners (single phase mandatory, three phase voluntary). 

Yours in simplified technology,

Ms Connected

For her contribution to Ms Connected, Fran has won a ViewSonic digital photo frame valued at $199. Send your question to msconnected@connectedaustralia.com.

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