Tag Archives: green

Appliance star energy ratings explained

The Energy Rating Label was first introduced in 1986 in NSW and Victoria, and is now mandatory in all Australian states and territories for electrical appliances to carry the label when they are offered for sale.

This includes:

  • Dishwashers
  • Refrigerators
  • Freezers
  • Clothes washers
  • Domestic televisions
  • Clothes dryers
  • Air-conditioners (single phase only)
  • Some three phase air conditioners and swimming pool pumps may carry an energy rating label if the supplier chooses to apply for one

On all these appliances, the label features a star rating between one and 10 stars – the greater the number of stars the higher the efficiency. Continue reading Appliance star energy ratings explained

Simplifying cross ventilation


Anyone who has ever gone camping will be able to tell you the basics of cross-ventilation – opening up opposite windows (or tent flaps) to allow the air to flow from one side to another.

It’s the same thing that you would do if you have to sit in your car on a hot day. One window is simply not enough, but one open on each side of the car does the trick. Now apply this to your home and you’ll find substantial reductions in your energy costs for cooling. Continue reading Simplifying cross ventilation