Please note: this information was current as of January 2008 but
is still a useful guide to today's market. The electricity costs
of running a large appliance can, over its lifetime, add up to
more than it cost you to purchase it. So choosing an energy-
efficient model will save you money. And because most
electricity generation produces greenhouse gases, it’s better
for the environment too. Our tests often show that energy-
efficient models don’t have to be more expensive to buy than
those with higher energy consumption. But even if you do pay a
bit more upfront for a model with more stars, its lower running
costs may more than make up for it. Comparing the energy
efficiency of large electrical appliances is easy in Australia.
Air conditioners, clothes dryers, dishwashers, freezers, fridges
and washing machines must carry an energy rating label, which
allows you to quickly compare the efficiency of different
models. The labelling scheme is run by state, territory and
federal governments, and the test procedure