In an effort to make all of Australia reduce greenhouse emissions, all freezers and fridges in Australia have been required by law to display an energy label since the 1980s, even before the Energy Star Energy Rating system was introduced. In 1999, laws came into effect requiring all fridges and freezers in Australia, whether manufactured domestically or overseas to comply with Minimum Energy Performance Requirements (MEPR). Since then, the requirements have become even more stringent. In January of 2005, these requirements were introduced and since April of 2010, they have come into force.

When you browse for freezers on our website, you will notice one of two Energy Ratings. Some will say 'Energy Rating (new)' while others will say 'Energy Rating (old)'. This is because the newer, more stringent ratings have only recently come into effect. In order to help you make accurate Energy Rating comparisons, we have included both the new and the old Energy Ratings on the product descriptions of individual freezers. Sometimes, the difference between the old and new Energy Star Energy Rating may be as little as half a star, while in other instances, it can be as much as 2 stars. How is this possible?

As simple as the star Energy Rating system is, the methods Energy Star uses to arrive at those numbers is complex. While it's not necessary to understand the algorithms used to arrive at an Energy Rating, it is helpful to understand just how important those stars are, both for the environment and for your pocketbook.

Energy Star Testing

The testing methods used by Energy Star have not changed significantly since 2005. Only the algorithms were changed in order to harmonize better with more stringent United States MEPR requirements that were introduced in 2001. Both Australia and New Zealand have adopted the same system in order to establish a cohesive Energy Rating system.

Freezers are tested under strictly controlled circumstances in order to ensure that their Comparative Energy Consumption (CEC) is accurately gauged. They are first left unplugged in a room with an ambient air temperature of 43 degrees Celsius until the internal temperature matches the external temperature. Then the lid is shut and the freezer is turned on. Its performance is measured by the temperature it reaches in 6 hours and the temperature it can maintain for a period of time in a room that is heated and cooled to 3 different ambient air temperatures. Since every freezer undergoes exactly the same tests under exactly the same conditions, there is little if any margin for error.

High Energy Rating a Top Priority

One Energy Rating Star is considered to be the "Base Energy Consumption" (BEC) of any freezer. The new Energy Star Energy Rating allows one additional star for every 23% decrease in energy consumption as calculated using a complex formula. In other words, a freezer with an Energy Rating of 3 under the new Energy Rating formula is not "just a little bit" more efficient than a freezer with a rating of 2. It is actually 23% more efficient. Needless to say, if everyone in Australia who bought a freezer purchased one with the highest possible Energy Rating, it would amount to a significant collective contribution to the reduction of greenhouse emissions.

That Energy Star has introduced even tougher labelling standards is good news for Australian consumers. It means that we can all do our part in helping to reduce greenhouse emissions and save money at the same time. The even better news is that a freezer with a high Energy Rating needn't cost more than one with a lower Energy Rating. In fact, you can buy a freezer for under $500 that will have a better Energy Rating than a $1000 freezer. It may not have all the same features, but it will be more energy efficient. The bottom line is this: when shopping for freezers, make a high Energy Star Energy Rating one of your top priorities.