Are you considering buying a new household appliance? Here’s a guide to understanding Energy Rating Labels so you can gauge the energy efficiency of various options. So, how do you look for Energy Star ratings on appliances?
Before purchasing, checking the Energy Rating Label can improve energy efficiency and cut energy bills. Typically marked in red, black, and yellow, these labels are found on many household appliances.
Energy Rating Labels inform how efficiently an appliance uses energy and estimate its annual energy consumption, allowing you to compare models easily.
An appliance with more stars indicates higher energy efficiency, while a lower energy consumption number means it uses less power overall.
The Australian government regulates the Energy Rating Label, which has been used for over 30 years. It allows you to compare various appliances’ energy efficiency and operating costs.
How to read the Energy Rating Label? Understanding Energy Star Ratings on Appliances
The Energy Rating Label helps you make better choices when buying appliances. It gives you two key pieces of information:
- Star Rating
- Energy Consumption
What is the Energy Star Rating?
Energy-star-rated appliances determine how efficient they are with energy—that is, how much energy they use compared to similar products. More stars mean higher efficiency. The more stars an appliance has, the less power it will need, saving you money on your bills.
Most products have between 1 and 7 stars. However, as technology improves, some super-efficient models have a row with stars up to 10.
What does Energy Consumption Mean?
Energy consumption is the yearly electricity a model uses, measured in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This is based on standard tests required by law and follows official Australian Standards.
These tests reflect typical usage, though your actual use may vary. The label also assumes how often the appliance is used, like the number of washes per week for a washing machine or daily hours for a TV.
You can use this energy consumption figure to compare any model, regardless of size or features.
Estimate Your Running Costs
With the energy consumption number, you can estimate how much it will cost to run an appliance each year. Use this formula:
Annual running cost = Total energy consumption (kWh) × Electricity rate (dollars per kWh)
Your electricity rate is listed on your bill. You can also visit the Australian Energy Regulator website to learn more about rates.
Where Can You Find the Energy Rating Label? Which Appliances Have Energy Rating Labels?
In stores, you’ll find the Energy Rating Label on:
- Non-ducted Household Air Conditioners
- Dryers
- Washing Machines
- Computer Monitors
- Dishwashers
- Refrigerators and Freezers
- Pool Pumps
- Televisions
Ask the salesperson if the label isn’t displayed in the store before purchasing. Although the label doesn’t need to be shown for online purchases, most retailers provide this information because customers value it.
If you can’t find the energy efficiency details on a website, you can email or call the retailer to ask.
Upgrading Appliances: Star Rating Guide
When you’re ready to upgrade big appliances, use Energy Star Ratings to pick a model that can help lower your energy bills. Here’s an easy guide to using star ratings to your advantage.
If your freezer breaks on a hot day, you might focus on saving your food rather than energy efficiency. But, when getting new appliances, it’s smart to consider greener options.
Many common household appliances have Energy Star Ratings. Manufacturers test their products’ energy efficiency, helping you understand their cost.
Paying attention to this rating is helpful when upgrading. Each extra star can reduce a product’s energy use by 10-30%, depending on the appliance type.
How to Compare Energy Star Ratings on Appliances
Energy ratings must be shown on the product to compare it while shopping. You can also visit the Energy Star website and find energy-efficient models at home.
Most appliances are rated out of six stars, but some super-efficient fridges and air conditioners can go up to 10 stars. More stars mean higher efficiency.
Ratings also consider size. For example, a large dishwasher will use more energy than a small one but will still get a higher rating.
To save the most, choose a model with low yearly energy use, listed in kilowatt-hours (kWh). This amount is based on average usage, but if you use an appliance a lot, you may use more energy than shown.
Use Energy Star Ratings at Home
You can also use star ratings to check the efficiency of your current appliances. Look at the ratings on your appliances. If the stickers are gone, check the Energy Star website.
If you have an energy-hungry air conditioner or dryer, you’ll know which upgrades could help you save more.
You can make the most of efficient appliances with the right energy plan. For further assistance, try the Energy Rating Calculator.
Fundamental Features of Energy-efficient Electrical Appliances
Each appliance type has certain features that make it more energy-efficient:
- Refrigerators: Look for models with proper insulation, power-saving modes, and accurate temperature controls. Avoid side-by-side models, as they usually use more energy.
- Washing Machines: Front-loading models generally use less water and energy. Look for features that adjust water levels to match the load size and high spin speeds to shorten drying time.
- Dishwashers: Soil sensors can adjust the wash cycle based on the dirty dishes, saving water and energy. Eco-wash cycles and air-dry options also help cut down on energy use.
- Heating and Cooling Systems: Choose HVAC systems with high Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (SEER) and Energy Efficiency Ratio (EER) ratings. Programmable thermostats can also help save energy.
Things to Consider Before Getting Energy-efficient Appliances
To make a smart choice, keep these tips in mind:
- Assess Your Needs: Consider which appliance features matter most to you and your daily life.
- Read Reviews: Check customer reviews for performance, reliability, and energy savings insights.
- Compare Models: Use online tools or calculators from energy-saving groups to compare different models’ costs and savings over time.
Cost and Savings Analysis
Buying energy-efficient appliances often costs more upfront, but they save money in the long run:
- Long-term Savings: Although they may cost more initially, the lower utility bills can balance this cost. For instance, an Energy Star fridge can save about $300 in energy costs over its lifetime compared to older models.
- Payback Periods: The time it takes for savings to cover the cost difference (the payback period) depends on the appliance and your usage. Generally, energy-efficient appliances pay for themselves within a few years.
Environmental Impact
Choosing energy-efficient appliances helps reduce your home’s carbon footprint:
- Reduced Energy Use: These appliances use less power, reducing demand from power plants that rely on fossil fuels.
- Lower Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Less energy use means fewer carbon emissions, lessening your home’s environmental impact.
Technology for Better Energy Management
Technology can help you manage your home’s energy more effectively:
- Smart Thermostats: These devices learn your routines and adjust heating and cooling to avoid unnecessary energy use.
- Energy Management Systems: Systems that monitor and control all your appliances help you see where you use the most energy and suggest ways to cut costs.
- Remote Control Apps: Many smart appliances have apps that let you control them remotely. This allows them to run only when needed, saving energy.
Regular Maintenance for Optimal Performance
Keeping energy-efficient appliances in good shape is essential to ensure they work their best:
- Scheduled Cleaning: Regularly clean appliances to remove dust and debris that can make them work harder. For example, cleaning the refrigerator’s condenser coils helps it use less energy.
- Timely Repairs: Fix issues as soon as they arise. Even efficient appliances, like a dishwasher with a broken heating element, use more energy if they’re not working properly.
- Seal and Gasket Checks: Check seals and gaskets, like those on fridge and oven doors, and replace them if worn to prevent air leaks and wasted energy.
The Importance of Energy Audits
An energy audit can help improve your home’s energy efficiency. Here’s how:
- Identifying Inefficiencies: A professional energy auditor can find areas where your home loses energy and suggest fixes, like switching to more efficient appliances.
- Customised Energy-saving Strategies: You can create a specific plan to lower your home’s energy use based on audit results.
- Monitoring Improvements: After an audit, track your energy use over time to see the effect of changes and fine-tune your energy-saving approach.
Cyanergy can assist customers by providing energy-efficient products that reduce energy usage and lower utility bills.
We offer expert guidance that best suits each customer’s needs. Our focus is on products with high Energy Star Ratings for maximum savings. Talk to an expert.
Cyanergy’s solutions empower customers to make informed decisions that positively impact their energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Get a free quote to get the best energy-efficient products.
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post How Do You Look for Energy Star Ratings on Appliances? appeared first on Cyanergy.
https://cyanergy.com.au/blog/how-do-you-look-for-energy-star-ratings-on-appliances/
Most Americans, me included, are puzzled as to how the Trump administration can openly thumb its nose to the findings of our courts. Until recently, behavior like this would have wound you up in jail.
Over the decades, many households across Victoria have resided in older suburban homes equipped with traditional ducted gas heating and aging split-system air conditioners.
However, today the scenario has changed significantly. As energy prices rise, families are feeling the pinch, with annual heating and cooling costs often rising $2,000.
But what are the main issues?
Gas systems that waste energy heating unused rooms, old non-inverter aircons that struggle to maintain even temperatures, and confusion among residents about how rebates, such as the Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program, actually work.
That’s where trusted providers like Cyanergy Australia step in!
By replacing outdated systems with efficient reverse-cycle multi-split air-conditioning and applying VEU rebates, we help many households to cut energy bills, reduce emissions, and enjoy year-round comfort, all in one smart upgrade.
This air conditioning upgrade can lead to a smoother transition from gas to clean, efficient electric heating and cooling, building a smarter, more sustainable home.
So, let’s break down how the household saved $1,200 with the VEU & Air-Con upgrade, what the program offers, and how you can take advantage of similar rebates to cut costs and enjoy a more energy-efficient home.
Cyanergy’s Energy Assessment: What We Found!
From the beginning, Cyanergy’s focus was to remove or disconnect the old gas ducted heater, install a modern
reverse-cycle multi-split air conditioning system, claim the VEU discount, and significantly reduce your annual
energy bills.
Simply via the effective air-conditioner upgrade, households can “Save
up to $2,000 a year on your energy bill.
Here are the findings after Cyanergy’s initial home energy visit:
- In many Victorian households, the ducted
gas heater is still in use, with high standing and fuel costs. - The older split system had poor efficiency. Some of them were oversized for the room and lacked zoning
options. -
The electrical switchboard had spare capacity to support a multi-split installation. For example, one
outdoor unit
with multiple indoor units for different zones.
Home Heating & Cooling Upgrade| The Step-by-Step Path
It’s well-known that the upgrade path usually involves replacing old systems with modern, energy-efficient solutions.
So, from gas to an energy-efficient electric system, let’s have a look at the upgrade story:
Choosing the right system
For the households that want to upgrade under the VEU air
conditioner rebate, we proposed a multi-split reverse-cycle system:
- One efficient outdoor inverter unit connected to three indoor units
- One in the main living area, one serving the upstairs bedrooms, and
- One for the downstairs zone, which had very little heating or cooling.
- Going multi-split provides flexibility: you only run the zones you need, resulting in lower energy
consumption.
However, in Victoria, Cyanergy is a renowned company that handles design, quoting, installation, and also guides
families through rebate
eligibility.
Decommissioning the old gas ducted heater
As part of eligibility for the VEU discount, the existing gas heater needed to be decommissioned in most cases.
This involves removing the system or disconnecting the ducted unit from the gas supply, following proper procedures
and obtaining certification, and utilizing expert installers.
Installation Process & Timing Period
- Initially, after checking the eligibility, apply for the quotes.
- The quote needs to be accepted and dated.
- Then the installers will remove the old ducted heater, seal off the vents, and remove or disconnect the gas
appliance. - The outdoor inverter unit should be mounted externally in these households. The indoor units need to be
installed in each zone, minimising the intrusion of ductwork and piping. - The wiring and electrical breaker must be upgraded as needed.
- The system will then be commissioned, and the necessary documentation will be submitted to the accredited provider for the VEU scheme.
Choosing efficiency over just cooling
Rather than improving just cooling, the Victorian households treated the upgrade as a heating & cooling renovation, switching to a system that uses electricity rather than gas.
Modern inverter systems are more efficient, as they modulate their output, offer better zoning, and can both heat and cool, allowing you to enjoy both winter comfort and summer cooling in one system.
At Cyanergy, we emphasise this home upgrade path:
“Efficient and Eco-Friendly Electric Multi-Split Air Conditioner. Take advantage of up to $7,200 in Victorian Government Energy Upgrade incentives, save big this winter on your gas bill.”
Out-of-pocket and rebate
Here is recent data from the average estimation for a household from the aircon rebate case study in Victoria.
In the quotation, the family had an installation cost of approximately $8,000 for the new multi-split system, including the decommissioning.
The VEU discount for gas-ducted to multi-split upgrades in Victoria was approximately $2,500.
So, their net out-of-pocket cost was ($8,000 – $2,500), which is approx $5,500.
How to Apply for the VEU Rebate: Are You Eligible?
The Victorian Energy Upgrades (VEU) program provides rebates for eligible energy-efficient upgrades such as
installing a high-efficiency reverse-cycle air conditioner to replace an older heating or cooling system.
Before we discuss how
the rebate works, here are the eligibility criteria.
So, to qualify under the VEU program:
- The property must be more than two years old.
- The existing heating or cooling system must be removed or replaced.
- The new system must be an eligible high-efficiency reverse-cycle unit installed by an accredited
provider.
How the Rebate Works
In this case, the quote from Cyanergy already included the VEU discount, meaning the price shown was the net cost
after applying the rebate allocated to the installer.
After installation:
- The accredited provider registers the upgrade with the VEU program.
- They create and claim Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates (VEECs) for the upgrade.
- The value of those certificates is passed on to the customer as an instant discount on the invoice.
The homeowner simply has to:
- Signs off that the old system was removed or decommissioned.
- Provides any required evidence or documentation, like serial numbers or photos.
The Result
The rebate is applied instantly at the point of installation, reducing the upfront cost — no need for the homeowner
to submit a separate claim.
Why is the VEU rebate significant?
Rebates like this make a big difference in the decision-making process. As the website says:
On average, households that upgrade
can save between $120 and $1,100 per year on their energy bills.
Additionally, the government factsheet notes that households can save between $120 and over $1,000 annually,
depending on the type of system and upgrade.
Thus, the rebate reduces the payback period, making the system more widely available.
Energy Bill Before vs After: See the Savings!
Here’s where the real story says: the household’s actual bills before and after the upgrade.
Before Adding Air Conditioning System
- Ducted gas heating and an older split system.
- In Victoria during winter months, the average monthly gas cost is approximately $125, and for electricity,
and other supplementary costs, an additional $30. So roughly $155 per winter month. Therefore, over the
course of four months, the price can reach nearly $620. - In summer cooling months, if their older split system ran for 2 hours per day, for example, from May to
October, it would cost around $50 per month. Over the 6 months, it will be, $300. - Total annual heating and cooling cost is approximately $920
After Adding the Air Conditioning System
- Household that installed a Multi-split reverse-cycle system.
- During the winter months, running the zones efficiently and utilizing the inverter system resulted in a
decrease in heating electricity costs.
Let’s say the average is around $70 per month over four months, totaling approximately $280.
- In the summer months, efficient cooling costs approximately $30 per month over six months, totaling around
$180. - So, the annual heating
and cooling cost is approximately $460.
Net Savings
Annual savings: $920 (before) – $460 (after) = $460 per year.
At that rate, the upgrade pays for itself in net savings and an upfront rebate.
However, as they also removed gas connection fees and standing charges, improving comfort, therefore, the “effective”
savings were perceived to be higher, around $1,200 in the first year with the air conditioning upgrade.
This figure also includes avoided gas standing charges of $150, lower maintenance costs of the old system, and
improved efficiency.
Maximising Your Savings| Key Insights from the VEU Rebate Program
Based on the case study and Cyanergy’s experience, here are some lessons and actionable tips for homeowners
considering an upgrade.
- Don’t wait until your system dies.
Replace outdated or inefficient gas or electric resistance systems immediately. Once the system starts
failing, you
may have fewer options or higher installation disruption.
- Choose a provider who handles the rebates.
Dealing with the rebate or discount component (VEU) on your own adds complexity, like documentation,
compliance, and
installation. So look for an accredited provider.
- Understand the actual savings potential.
It’s not just the rebate amount; consider running costs, efficiency improvements, zoning, and the ability to
heat and
cool.
- Ensure proper sizing and zone control.
As many families discovered, the benefit came from zoning: you only heat and cool rooms you use. Oversized
units or
whole-home heating can reduce savings.
- Factor in non-energy benefits.
Better comfort, for example, quieter systems and more consistent temperatures, as well as the removal of gas
standing
charges, less
maintenance, and improved resale appeal for eco-conscious buyers, all benefit you.
- Check the accreditation and compliance.
With rebate programs, there’s always a risk of non-compliant installations or companies that don’t follow
through.
So, do your homework: check that the installer is accredited for VEU, ask for references, and ensure that the
documentation is completed appropriately.
- Request detailed quotes that include estimates for both “before rebate” and “after rebate”
costs.
This helps you see how much you’re actually paying, the discount you receive, and ensures transparency. The
rebate is
not always the full difference; minimum contribution rules apply.
- Monitor your bills after installation.
Keep track of your energy bills (gas & electricity) before and after for at least 12 months. This will
indicate
whether the savings are as expected and aid in budgeting.
Be realistic about pay-back
Although the rebate helps upfront, large systems still cost thousands of dollars. Don’t expect payback in one
or two
years (unless you have extreme usage).
However, with a well-designed system, rebates, and efficiency gains, a payback of 5-10 years or better is
possible,
depending on usage.
Final Notes
This aircon rebate case study illustrates the VEU saving. By working with Cyanergy Australia, households transformed a traditional, inefficient gas-ducted heating and older split cooling system into a modern, efficient, zone-controlled multi-split reverse-cycle air-conditioning system.
This was made more affordable through the VEU scheme discount.
The result? A net cost of around $5,500, improved comfort, and savings of approximately $1,200 in the first year.
This real-world “VEU saving example” shows that:
- Rebates matter as they make the upgrade financially viable.
- Efficiency matters as modern multi-split reverse-cycle systems deliver lower running costs.
- Removing inefficient gas heating can unlock significant savings.
- A reliable installer who navigates the rebate process effectively is crucial.
So, if you are looking for an accredited provider in Australia, Cyanergy is here to help!
Contact us today to receive a free solar quote. We will handle all your paperwork to ensure a fast and smooth installation process.
Your Solution Is Just a Click Away
The post How Households Saved $1,200 with VEU & Air-Con Upgrade? appeared first on Cyanergy.
About 20 years ago, a friend asked me if I was aware that cars could run on air. I asked, delicately, what she meant, and she explained that cars can run on compressed air.
“Ah,” I replied. “Of course they can. But where does the energy come from that compresses the air?” End of conversation.
Now, it’s back. Now there are enormous swaths of the population who know so little about middle school science that they believe we can put cars on the road, in an ocean of air, and extract energy out of that air to power our automobiles.
If you’re among these morons and want to invest with some heavy-duty fraud/charlatans, here’s your opportunity. They say that it’s “self-sustaining and needs no fuel.” If that makes sense to you, be my guest.
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