Aim for the stars, switch to efficiency

If your fridge or freezer is beyond repair, choosing a new 4.5 star energy rated fridge can halve the amount of electricity your fridge eats up.

New fridges are equipped with energy saving features like superior insulation, door seals, improved compressor efficiency and defrost mechanisms, all of which means improved energy efficiency and cost savings.

All new fridges today carry the easy-to-recognise Energy Rating label. This label rates the energy efficiency of the appliance and also lists the annual energy consumption, providing a quick comparative measure to assess both makes and models at purchase time.

When buying a new fridge or freezer, look for one that has:

• a high star energy rating - the more stars on the label the more efficient it is to operate
• a lower number in the energy consumption box on the label - it will cost less to run
• the right size to suit your needs - running two small fridges costs much more than running one large fridge. But a large fridge with the same star rating as a smaller model still uses more power and generates more carbon pollution, so try to pick the perfect size
• no door dispenser - automatic ice-makers and through-the-door dispensers use more power and cost more to run

Download Refrigeration fact sheet (PDF, 691kb) to learn more ways to save electricity.