When shopping for a washing machine in Australia, you'll encounter two important rating systems: the Energy Rating Label and the WELS Water Rating Label. Understanding these labels can help you choose an appliance that's not only good for the environment but also kind to your wallet over the long term. This guide explains how to decode these ratings and calculate the true running costs of different machines.
The Energy Rating Label Explained
Every washing machine sold in Australia must display an Energy Rating Label. This standardised label, regulated by the government's Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) program, allows you to compare the energy efficiency of different appliances at a glance. The label features a star rating system and provides specific energy consumption figures.
Understanding the Star Rating
The star rating ranges from 1 to 6 stars, with more stars indicating greater energy efficiency. However, it's important to understand that these ratings are comparative within the same product category and capacity range. A 10kg machine with 4 stars isn't necessarily more efficient than a 7kg machine with 3.5 stars when measuring total energy consumption.
The stars are calculated based on a formula that considers energy consumption relative to the machine's capacity. This means the rating reflects how efficiently the machine uses energy for its size, not the absolute amount of energy used.
Star Rating Breakdown
- 1-2 stars: Below average efficiency, higher running costs
- 2.5-3.5 stars: Average efficiency, moderate running costs
- 4-5 stars: Good efficiency, lower running costs
- 5.5-6 stars: Excellent efficiency, lowest running costs
The kWh Figure
Below the stars, you'll find a number showing kilowatt-hours (kWh) per year. This figure represents the estimated annual energy consumption based on standardised testing conditions, assuming approximately 365 wash cycles per year on the warm wash setting. While your actual usage will vary based on cycle selection and frequency, this figure provides a consistent basis for comparison.
To estimate your annual electricity cost, multiply the kWh figure by your electricity rate. For example, if a machine shows 200 kWh/year and your electricity costs $0.30 per kWh, your estimated annual running cost for energy would be $60.
The WELS Water Rating Label
The Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards (WELS) scheme provides a similar star-based rating for water consumption. This label shows both a star rating and the litres used per wash cycle.
Water Stars and Litres
The WELS water rating uses the same 1-6 star system, with more stars indicating better water efficiency. The label also displays the specific number of litres used per wash cycle based on the warm wash setting. This figure is particularly useful for calculating water costs and understanding the environmental impact of your choice.
Water consumption can vary dramatically between machines. A water-efficient front loader might use 50 litres per cycle, while a less efficient top loader could use 150 litres or more. Over hundreds of wash cycles per year, this difference adds up significantly.
Rating Comparison Caution
Always compare machines of similar capacity when using star ratings. A 10kg machine will typically use more energy and water than a 6kg machine, regardless of star ratings. The ratings help you compare efficiency within capacity classes, not between them.
Calculating True Running Costs
Understanding energy labels is only useful if you can translate them into real-world costs. Here's how to calculate the actual running costs of a washing machine:
Energy Cost Calculation
The formula for calculating annual energy costs is straightforward:
Annual Energy Cost = kWh per year × Your electricity rate ($/kWh)
For example, if a washing machine is rated at 180 kWh/year and your electricity rate is $0.28/kWh, your annual energy cost would be approximately $50.40. However, the label's kWh figure assumes 365 cycles per year. If you wash less frequently, your costs will be lower. The average Australian household runs about 5-6 loads per week, or roughly 260-312 cycles per year.
Water Cost Calculation
Water costs are calculated per wash cycle:
Annual Water Cost = Litres per wash × Number of washes per year × Your water rate ($/L)
Water rates in Australia typically range from $2.00 to $3.50 per kilolitre (1,000 litres). Using an average of $2.50/kL, a machine using 60 litres per wash run 300 times per year would cost about $45 in water annually. A machine using 120 litres would cost $90 for the same usage pattern.
The Total Cost of Ownership
When comparing washing machines, it's essential to consider the total cost of ownership over the appliance's lifespan, not just the purchase price. A more expensive, efficient machine might actually cost less over 10 years than a cheaper, less efficient one.
10-Year Cost Example
Let's compare two hypothetical machines:
Machine A: Purchase price $700, 3-star energy rating (250 kWh/year), 2.5-star water rating (100L/wash)
Machine B: Purchase price $1,100, 5-star energy rating (150 kWh/year), 4.5-star water rating (55L/wash)
Assuming electricity at $0.30/kWh, water at $2.50/kL, and 300 washes per year:
Machine A 10-year costs: $700 + ($75 × 10 energy) + ($75 × 10 water) = $2,200
Machine B 10-year costs: $1,100 + ($45 × 10 energy) + ($41.25 × 10 water) = $1,962.50
Despite costing $400 more upfront, Machine B saves approximately $237.50 over its lifetime while using fewer resources.
Quick Comparison Method
For a rough comparison, calculate the 10-year running costs and add them to the purchase price. The machine with the lower total is typically the better long-term value, assuming similar features and reliability.
Factors That Affect Real-World Efficiency
Energy labels are based on standardised testing, but your actual consumption will depend on several factors:
Wash Temperature
Cold water washing uses significantly less energy than warm or hot washes because heating water accounts for most of the energy consumption in a wash cycle. If you primarily use cold water settings, your actual energy consumption will be lower than the label indicates. Modern detergents are formulated to work effectively in cold water, making this an easy efficiency gain.
Load Size and Frequency
Running full loads is more efficient than multiple partial loads. If you consistently run half-full machines, you're using more water and energy per kilogram of clothes than the ratings suggest. Some machines include sensors that adjust water levels for smaller loads, improving efficiency when full loads aren't possible.
Spin Speed Selection
Higher spin speeds extract more water from clothes, reducing drying time and energy if you use a dryer. However, higher speeds use slightly more electricity during the wash cycle. The overall energy balance usually favours higher spin speeds if you're machine drying clothes.
Making an Informed Decision
When shopping for a washing machine, use energy and water ratings as one factor among many. Consider your household's washing habits, local utility rates, and whether the long-term savings justify any price premium for more efficient models.
Check the actual kWh and litre figures rather than relying solely on star ratings, especially when comparing machines of different capacities. Calculate the estimated running costs based on your personal usage patterns and local utility rates to make a truly informed decision.
Key Takeaway
Energy and water ratings are valuable tools for comparing washing machine efficiency, but they tell only part of the story. Calculate total cost of ownership over 10 years, including purchase price and running costs, to find the best value for your household. Higher-rated machines often pay for themselves through reduced utility bills.