See the difference every star makes
Whiteware, heat pumps and televisions have two labels that can help you choose the most energy efficient product that meets your needs.
The energy rating label has a simple star rating - the more stars on the label, the more energy efficient the appliance. It also has an annual energy consumption figure in kilowatt hours (kWh) which can be used to compare similar sized models.
The blue ENERGY STAR® mark is your shortcut to identifying New Zealand’s most energy efficient products. Only the top 25% of products meet ENERGY STAR’s stringent energy efficiency requirements, so you can be sure you’re getting the performance you expect, with superior energy efficiency.
Running costs calculator
Use the running costs calculator below to find out how the energy rating affects the amount of energy used, and how much each appliance will cost per year to run.
Dishwasher
Select your appliance details
Adjust the energy rating
Maximum energy consumption and running costs per year
Annual energy use
Running cost
Greenhouse gas emissions
*To be ENERGY STAR® qualified, compact dishwashers only require three stars (e.g dishdrawer).
Now you’ve seen the difference every star makes, here’s some more information for you:
Hot tips for Dishwashers
- Choose the right-sized dishwasher to suit your household, so you’re not overworking a too-small one or wasting space and energy with a too-big one.
- Rinse your dishes under the cold tap before loading.
- Models with an 'eco', or 'half load' wash setting can help save water and energy.
- Try to run your dishwasher fully loaded.
Fridge/Freezer
Select your appliance details
Type
Adjust the energy rating
Maximum energy consumption and running costs per year
Annual energy use
Running cost
Greenhouse gas emissions
*Exact ENERGY STAR® requirement depends on the type of fridge/freezer.
Now you’ve seen the difference every star makes, here’s some more information for you:
Hot tips for Fridge/Freezers
- Make sure there's an air gap all around your fridge and freezer to allow the heat from the compressor to escape. Check the manual to find out how big the gap needs to be.
- Check that your fridge temperature is set around 3°C to 4°C, while freezers should be between -15°C and -18°C.
- Make sure the door seals are working properly – otherwise you’ll be paying more to cool your food.
- If your freezer doesn't auto-defrost, defrost it when the ice build up is more than ½ cm thick.
- When it’s time for you to upgrade or get rid of an old fridge, make sure it’s recycled.
Clothes Dryer
Select your appliance details
Adjust the energy rating
Maximum energy consumption and running costs per year
Annual energy use
Running cost
Greenhouse gas emissions
*Clothes dryers do not have an ENERGY STAR® specification.
Now you’ve seen the difference every star makes, here’s some more information for you:
Hot tips for Clothes Dryers
- When possible dry your clothes outside. Fresh air and sunshine can help kill bacteria and dust mites, and may even helps fade stains.
- Make sure your dryer is vented to the outside so the moisture doesn't make the house damp.
- If you’re going to use your dryer regularly, look for a model with an auto-sensing feature. Auto-sensing prevents over-drying which saves electricity and is also better for your clothes.
- Thoroughly spin-dry the clothes in your washing machine first. It takes a lot less electricity to spin water out of clothes than it does to heat it out .
- Clean the lint filter on your dryer after each load.
Washing Machine
Select your appliance details
Wash setting
Adjust the energy rating
Maximum energy consumption and running costs per year
Annual energy use
Running cost
Greenhouse gas emissions
*To be ENERGY STAR® qualified, washing machines must also have four stars on the water efficiency label.
Now you’ve seen the difference every star makes, here’s some more information for you:
Hot tips for Washing Machines
- Save energy by using cold water to wash your clothes and other lightly soiled loads.
- Do a warm wash every five loads or a hot wash every ten loads to remove any dirt and detergent that may build up in the washing machine.
- Try to wash a full load rather than several smaller loads when possible.
- Dissolving powder detergents before you add them to the washer will improve performance in cold water.
- Choose an auto-sensing machine, or adjust the water level to suit the load size.
Heat Pump
Select your appliance details
Level of Insulation
*Energy consumption based on an average three bedroom home in Christchurch.
Adjust the energy rating
Maximum energy consumption and running costs per year
Annual energy use
Running cost
Greenhouse gas emissions
*ENERGY STAR® qualification requires efficient performance for both heating and cooling.
Now you’ve seen the difference every star makes, here’s some more information for you:
Hot tips for Heat Pumps
- Get your insulation sorted first, your home will be easier and cheaper to heat.
- Get the right size heat pump for the space you’re heating. If your heat pump is too small it will have to work harder and therefore cost you more to run.
- Good installation is fundamental to how well a heat pump performs – make sure you choose an experienced installer who follows EECA’s Good Practice Guide to Heat Pump Installation.
- Using your heat pump timer will help you save energy. Programme it to turn on 15 minutes before you get up in the morning or before you get home at night.
- Setting the thermostat to the maximum won’t heat up your room any quicker, but it can make your heat pump run less efficiently.
Television
Select your appliance details
Adjust the energy rating
Maximum energy consumption and running costs per year
Annual energy use
Running cost
Greenhouse gas emissions
*ENERGY STAR® TVs must also use less than 1 Watt in standby mode, and viewing settings are optimised to ensure maximum efficiency out of the box.
Now you’ve seen the difference every star makes, here’s some more information for you:
Hot tips for Televisions
- Different screen types and sizes vary considerably in efficiency and running costs. Buy according to the space and purpose you need a new TV for.
- The higher the brightness and contrast settings on your TV, the more energy it uses. So make sure they suit your viewing conditions.
