Energy Efficiency: Using the Energy Rating Label

We live in an energy-hungry age. With the hectic demands of our daily twenty-first century life, it’s so easy to simply give in and be a part of the energy-guzzling “machinery” of the day. In our last article, we spoke of six quick wins to conserving energy, wins that both help save the environment and cut the utility bill down drastically. One of those quick tips involved energy efficiency: purchasing energy-efficient appliances.

Of course, these energy-efficient appliances are easy to identify, as they’re marked with the Energy Rating Label or ERL. The ERLs are a federal guarantee that the appliance will consume less energy during use and just as importantly, when on standby mode. Yes, up to 75% of the energy used to power household electronics is consumed when they’re on standby mode!

Of course, energy savings will differ from appliance to appliance. Energy-star certified washing machines consume up to 25% less energy and 24% less water than their conventional cousins, for instance, while energy-star certified refrigerators consume up to 10% less energy.

Thus, it stands to reason that it’s important to know how the ERL works. While it’s certainly not rocket science, a little time given to it, will prove worth your while.

Energy Efficiency: The Energy Rating Label

While you can find out more specifics using the Energy Rating Calculator, in brief, there are two things to look out for:

More Stars, More Savings

When comparing similar sized products, consider the number of stars attributed to the product. The more stars given, the better the savings you can be assured of.

Lower Score, More Savings

Along with the stars, you’ll see an “energy consumption” score. The lower the score (in kWh per year), the cheaper the appliance will be to operate.

Too often, we look only at the price tag of an appliance. However, the true expense of an appliance lies in its ongoing operating costs. So, keep an eye on both: the price tag and the energy rating label (ERL), and you’ll be better off for the trouble.

Be smart. Stay safe. Make a difference.

Grant Knowles

Grant is the owner of Snapp Electrical. Based in the Fleurieu Peninsula, he specialises in domestic, commercial and industrial electrical services. Return to the home page to view all on offer or drop us a line via the contact form.