Energy rating labels
Energy rating labels give you information on how much energy a product uses. They make it easy for you to compare the energy efficiency of similar appliance models. Every new whiteware appliance and heat pump sold in New Zealand displays this label.
The more stars, the more efficient
Labels for fridges, freezers, dryers and dishwashers
Labels for heat pumps or air conditioners
The more stars, the more efficient
Energy rating labels all have a simple star rating. The more stars on the label, the more energy efficient the appliance is compared to similar models.
If you're comparing models for energy efficiency, they must be of the same type - that is, similar in capacity and features. For example, if you are comparing 2-door 300L fridge-freezers, the one with the most stars will be the cheapest to run. Many top models have four or more stars.
Other details on the label vary a little from product to product.
Fridges, freezers, dishwashers and dryers
Example energy rating label for a fridge
Energy rating labels for fridges, freezers, dish washers and dryers share similar features.
Energy consumption figure
The number in the red box is the energy consumption figure. This tells you how much electricity the appliance typically uses to run in a year, in kiloWatt hours (kWh). The lower the number, the less the model will cost to run and the lower the environmental impact.
Use this figure to compare between all models and types of appliance. For example, if you want to compare the running cost of a fridge and a fridge freezer, look at the energy consumption figure.
Calculating running costs
You can use the energy consumption figure to estimate the annual running cost of the appliance:
- Multiply the number in the box by your electricity tariff (including GST). You'll find this tariff, or unit cost, on your electricity bill. The national average is currently 23 cents per kWh. For example: 640 x 0.23 = $147.
And to calculate the estimated lifetime running cost of the appliance:
-
Multiply the annual running cost by 10. Most whiteware has an estimated lifetime of about 10 or so years. For example: $147 x 10 = $1470. This is like a second price tag, showing ongoing running costs on top of the purchase price.
New labels for fridges and freezers
Note that new fridge and freezer labels are being phased in, so there will be a mix of old and new labels for some time.
Take care when comparing them as the star ratings are dialed back by two stars on the new label - so a two-star model on the new label is equivalent to a four-star model on the old label. Some new labels may contain a caption stating the model's old star rating.
EECA recommends also using the annual energy consumption figure on the energy rating label to help compare similar products. The lower the energy consumption, the more efficient the model is.
Washing machines
Washing machine labels have a star rating band to compare models. There are also two energy consumption figures, with warm washes in red, and cold washes in blue. Cold washes are an easy way to save energy, as they use a lot less electricity than a warm wash.
Heat pumps
Labels
There are currently two types of heat pump labels - this is because some heat pumps are also sold in Australia, where the labelling has recently been revised. Industry here can use these voluntarily.
One has a side-by-side rating showing heating and cooling performance, as pictured above. The red stars are for heating efficiency and the blue stars are for cooling efficiency.
You may also see some labels with both red and blue stars. Take care when comparing them as the star ratings are dialled back by two stars on the side-by-side label - so a two-star model on this label is equivalent to about a four-star model on the other label.
Understanding the numbers
The heat pump label has two numbers that can tell you more about the heat pump's performance.
- Capacity output - the amount of heating or cooling (kWh) you will get out of the heat pump (at its rated capacity, at 7 ˚C).
- Power input - the amount of electricity the product uses (kWh) to produce the cool or hot air.
You can also use the numbers to calculate a heat pump's heating efficiency, which is known as the Coefficient of Performance (COP), or its cooling efficiency, known as the Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER). The higher the ratio, the more efficient it is.
- Coefficient of Performance (COP) - the ratio between the heating power input and capacity output. For example, 4.75 divided by 1.64 = 2.90
- Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) - the ratio between the cooling input and output. For example, 4.45 divided by 1.61 = 2.76
Where to find the label
Energy rating labels are displayed on all new whiteware appliances and heat pumps available for sale in New Zealand.
You can find information on choosing appliances under each of the product categories below:
More information
- To find out about energy consumption of appliances in more detail, you can visit the Energy Rating website.
- Download a fact sheet on new energy rating labels for fridges, freezers and heat pumps.
