Choosing appliances with a Energy Rating Label is a great way to save energy at home which can also mean a lower power bill.
So how do the Energy Rating Labels work?
I’m sure you’ve seen the stickers with stars on large appliances like washing machines, dryers, dish washers and heat pumps. The more stars given means means more efficient, when compared to other models of a similar size and features. So the less energy the product will use means the more money you will save on your energy bills. Most products are given between 1 and 6 stars.
Energy Rating Labels have two important pieces of information: the star rating and the energy consumption.
Consumer NZ explains these below:
Star rating
The top half of the label has a star rating of up to 6 or 10 stars. The stars represent how energy efficient a model is compared to other models of the same size/capacity. The minimum number of stars is 1, and the scale increases in increments of half a star up to 6 stars. More stars = more energy efficient.
Some models qualify for a “super efficiency” rating of up to 10 stars. Ratings of 7 stars or more are in 1-star increments.
On some models, up to 4 bonus stars may be displayed to account for super-efficiency, taking it to a maximum of 10. Once an appliance reaches 7 stars, they increase in increments of 1 star. More stars are better.
Energy consumption
The middle of the label shows the annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh). A kWh is a measure of the energy used by an appliance. For example, a 55-inch TV uses 1kWh a day. Lower energy consumption figures are better.
You can use this figure to calculate how much that model would cost you based on the electricity price you pay (tariff). If you don’t have a power bill handy, the MBIE-reported national average cost of a kWh in New Zealand is 25¢ (so 3.45kWh = $1).
source: www.consumer.org.nz/articles/energy-rating-labels-explained
Which products require an Energy Rating Label?
- Household refrigerators
- Household freezers
- Household fridges/freezers
- Heat pumps/air conditioners
- Clothes washers
- Clothes dryers
- Dishwashers
- Computer monitors
- Televisions
Heat Pump labels in NZ have a new(ish) Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL), which displays more comprehensive information than the old labels. The new labels take into account the different climates throughout NZ e.g.it shows that a heat pump performs quite differently in homes in Whangarei and Christchurch.
You can read more about ZERL here and also what else you should look out for when buying a heating & cooling heat pump.
Or reach out to our customer service team who can take you through options suited towards your home, climate and budget.
YOU MIGHT FIND THESE ARTICLES HELPFUL
- MAY HEAT PUMP SERVICE SPECIAL*Heading into winter is a great time to get a heat pump service. Check out our Heat Pump Servicing special below and book your clean in so you can enjoy a warm home this winter. Specialoffer $170 + gst
- Cold and Damp Home? Why YOUR HOME’S Indoor Air Quality MattersWe spend a significant amount of time indoors – at home, at work, even in our cars. It’s easy to assume that because these spaces offer shelter, they must be healthy environments. But the truth is, a poor indoor environment can have a surprisingly big impact on our health, especially a cold and damp home.… Read more: Cold and Damp Home? Why YOUR HOME’S Indoor Air Quality Matters
- EECA BUILDING EXPERT SHARES TIPS FOR HAVING A WARM HOME ON A BUDGETEECA building expert Dr Gareth Gretton shares some tips on how to prepare your home. How quickly the cold seeps into your home depends a lot on how well it’s insulated, Gretton said. “The best place to start is actually underneath… that keeps the heat in and stops the drafts coming up.” He recommends checking… Read more: EECA BUILDING EXPERT SHARES TIPS FOR HAVING A WARM HOME ON A BUDGET
- GET AN INSTANT HEAT PUMP ESTIMATEThe crisp mornings and cool evenings are a gentle reminder that winter is truely on its way. For many homeowners, this means prepping the trusty heater and hoping it survives another season. But what if there was a more efficient, cost-effective way to keep your home cozy? Enter the heat pump! Heat pumps have become… Read more: GET AN INSTANT HEAT PUMP ESTIMATE
- How do I get AN insulation GRANT IN NZ?The Warmer Kiwi Homes Government programme offers insulation grants to low-income home owners (you must be a owner-occupier). You can get 80% paid for by the warmer kiwi homes grant.
- How much does it cost to install a heat pump NZ?Heat pumps are good for your wallet and the environment but how much does it cost to install a heat pump in New Zealand? Below we will cover some different types of models, their costs – which also includes installation cost.