Energy Stars Shine All Year Round

15 December 2008

Energy Stars Shine All Year Round

For Kiwi shoppers treating themselves to a new appliance for the home or office this Christmas, the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) has some tips on what to look for to make the savings from those sales bargains last all year round.

"Taking advantage of the holiday sales bargains when buying new appliances can save Kiwi shoppers significant money upfront. But it's also worth thinking about the long-term running costs of that appliance," says Mike Underhill, EECA Chief Executive.

EECA recommends choosing by labels - the energy saving ones! The two to look out for are energy rating labels and the ENERGY STAR(r) mark. These provide useful information on how much energy an appliance uses and how energy efficient it is, helping shoppers compare between models.

Energy rating labels give information on how much energy a product uses showing a star-rating and an annual energy consumption figure. Every whiteware appliance and heat pump sold in New Zealand displays this label. The more stars on the label, the less energy the appliance needs to get the same performance level as a comparable model. The number in the red energy consumption box tells approximately how much electricity is needed to run the appliance over a year. The lower this number is, the less the appliance will cost to run.

The blue ENERGY STAR mark is the independent, international benchmark for energy efficiency - awarded to the most energy efficient appliances, home electronics products and office equipment in each category. ENERGY STAR qualified washing machines and dishwashers, for example, use up to 50% less energy than non-ENERGY STAR models. And when it comes to televisions, a 42-inch non-ENERGY STAR television when operational for eight hours a day and left in standby for the rest of the time, can cost around $145-$200 a year to run. While a 42-inch ENERGY STAR qualified television would save on average between $25-$80 a year.

The ENERGY STAR mark in New Zealand is currently featured on qualified washing machines, dishwashers, fridges and freezers, heat pumps, televisions, DVD players and audio equipment. An up to date list of ENERGY STAR products and brands is at www.energystar.govt.nz

ENDS

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