For Consumers
Fridges and freezers
Fridges and freezers
Fridges and freezers are essential household appliances. Unlike other appliances, a fridge or freezer is always on. This means that choosing an energy-efficient fridge or freezer can save you a lot on your energy bills each year.
Household fridges and freezers must meet mandatory energy efficiency requirements.
- Fridges and freezers must meet Minimum Energy Performance Standards.
- Fridges and freezers are required to carry an Energy Rating Label.
The Energy Rating Label
The more stars, the more savings.
The Energy Rating Label helps you make informed choices when buying a fridge or freezer. It provides two important pieces of information about the appliance, the:
- star rating
- estimated energy consumption.
The star rating shows the energy efficiency of an appliance. It allows you to compare the energy efficiency of products that have similar capacity and features. The more stars, the less energy it uses and the cheaper it is to run.
The energy consumption is how much electricity the appliance is estimated to use in a year. This can help you predict the running costs.
Learn more about reading the label and estimating running costs
Visit Understand the Energy Rating LabelHow to choose the right fridge or freezer for you
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Start with size
When purchasing a fridge or freezer, the first step is to determine the size that will best meet your needs.
Fridges and freezers are sized in litres, which indicates the internal capacity of the appliance. Every additional litre you add in capacity, the more you will pay to keep the extra space cool.
Determine the most suitable size fridge or freezer for your needs. It is better to have a smaller, more efficient fridge that is full, rather than a larger fridge with a lot of wasted space that needs cooling. The smaller, fuller fridge will use less energy.
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Compare energy efficiency
It is important to compare products of the same size.
Once you decide the capacity of the fridge or freezer you want, you can use the star ratings to compare the energy efficiency of the appliances.
This is because the star rating considers the size and features of the appliance. For example, a 400 litre fridge with a five star energy rating will use more energy than a 200 litre fridge with a five star rating.
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Seek professional advice
Experts can help you make the right choice.
As with any large purchase, it’s a good idea to discuss your options with a number of suppliers so they can advise on the refrigerator or freezer that may be appropriate for you. They will also be able to advise on running costs and how to place your refrigerator or freezer to improve its energy efficiency.
Additional resources
Want to save on fridge and freezer running costs?
View our tips for using fridges and freezers efficiently