Energy Rating Labels
It is a requirement that clothes washers have an Energy Rating Label supplied with them and displayed on the product in stores.
The Energy Rating Label shows how much energy a clothes washers uses per year and provides a star rating that can be used to compare its energy efficiency with other clothes washers.
Australia has introduced an updated (new) Energy Rating Label that is easier to read and consistent with Energy Rating Labels on other products. There is however no change to the current (old) Energy Rating Label required to be displayed in New Zealand. You may see the old or new Energy Rating Label on products supplied in New Zealand.
The calculations used for the new and old Energy Rating Labels are closely aligned, which means you can compare the star ratings and energy consumption.
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Old and New Labels
Both the old and new versions of the Energy Rating Labels include:
- A star rating of up to 10 stars (based on a warm wash setting)
- Brand name and model number
- Rated load capacity (in kg)
- The annual energy consumption using a warm wash setting, and in some cases, a cold wash setting (in kWh per year)
- The program used for a warm wash, and cold wash if included on the label
- The test standard used and assumed usage of 7 loads a week
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The new Energy Rating Labels now include:
- Program time of the program used for the Energy Rating Label (based on a warm wash setting)
Most products will not show cold wash performance as this is optional. See the label variations below.
How ratings are calculated
The annual energy consumption and star rating of a washing machine is calculated on a warm wash, using the settings recommended by the manufacturer for a normal-soiled load at its rated capacity. It is calculated assuming that it is used 7 times a week and on standby for the remainder, and includes the energy required to heat the water. The dampness of the clothes (moisture content) at the end of the cycle is factored into the star rating.
The star ratings for clothes washers are generally between 1 and 5.5 stars. There is a 27% energy consumption reduction with each star increase.
The Standards for the new Energy Rating Label are:
- Testing - AS/NZS 2040.1:2021
- Rating - AS/NZS 2040.1:2021
The Standards for the old Energy Rating Label are:
- Testing - AS/NZS 2040.1:2005 +A1 +A2 +A3
- Rating - AS/NZS 2040.2:2005 +A1.
Current Energy Rating Labels
New Energy Rating Labels
Clothes Washers that require labels: