Majority of household electrical appliances on the market today have an energy rating label to help compare what’s best. High star rated appliances can help you save on your electricity bill and are also better for the environment. Manufacturers also use this as an incentive to improve their energy performance and provide better energy efficient products in return. A Gas Rating Label is found on gas water heaters, gas space heaters and ducted heating.

Although lower star rated appliances may cost less, long term they aren’t as efficient and therefore the overall cost of purchase and operation over time will in fact cost dramatically more. So opting for a little more on the price tag for a higher star will in fact benefit you long term.

There are 2 types of labels, 6 star and 10 star; the 10 star label is for appliances rated as 7 stars or higher. The labels are mandatory on all televisions, air conditioners, computer monitors, fridges, freezers, dishwashers, washing machines and clothes dryers. Swimming pool pumps offer a recommended but voluntary energy rating label.

Basically, the more stars the more energy efficient the appliance is compared to other models. The star rating will show a quick visual of the energy performance for the appliance. The label gives an annual energy consumption reading which can be used to compare appliance of the same size, type, volume also.

As mentioned above, there is also a voluntary Gas Rating Label which is provided by the Australian Gas Association not regulated by the government. You can find information on how products are rated through their website.

It is not mandatory for all electrical appliances to have a star rating label. Such items like computers, printers, fax machines, DVD players and photocopiers may hold a blue energy star mark which can help you identify energy efficient products when a star label isn’t available. For any products without a star rating you can easily calculate how much energy they use by simple running cost x purchase price calculations.

So in conclusion, a high star rated model is worth spending that little bit extra to help you long term and also help our environment. Check out our blog on energy efficiency tips for more ideas. Contact our energy assessors at Energy Rating Perth for more information today!