Energy efficient appliances
The data included in our infographic is an average of our most recently tested appliances.
Our expert testers also identify the most efficient models on the market, which can save you significantly on running costs even against the average power consumption.
Costs are calculated at 26c/kWh for electricity except for electric hot water heaters which are calculated at the off-peak rate of 12.77c/KwH. Electricity usage derived from CHIOCE product testing 2011-2012, excluding electric hot water heaters which were retrieved from Resource Smart Victoria using 2010 consumption data and current electricity tariffs. Dishwasher and washing machine costs include water costs, calculated at $2/KL. Electric oven costs assume three hours use per week.
In our graphic we have a hot water heater which uses the lion's share of the power bill. However this is based on electric hot water heaters using an off-peak rate. If you have solar, heat pump or high-efficiency gas, then your water heating costs are likely to be much lower.
As a general rule, the older your appliances are, the more likely they are to use more energy.
For example in late-2009 over 50% of new TVs in Australia had an energy rating of less than 4 stars. By mid-2011 this number had dropped to less than 10%.
While the energy rating system is one way to judge efficiency, it is important to keep in mind that ratings are regularly recalibrated, meaning that a 4 star rating from several years ago may equate to a lower rating today.
While the ratings for TVs have been the same since 2008 (but will be updated from next year), the star ratings for other appliances such as fridges were reviewed in 2010.