When you are setting up a new home or replacing a broken appliance, the weekly payment is usually the first thing on your mind. That makes perfect sense. But there is a hidden cost attached to every appliance you plug into your wall. Many people focus entirely on the weekly rental price and completely forget about the ongoing electricity costs that come with running a large appliance 24 hours a day.
Checking the fridge energy star rating makes it easier to compare different models and estimate their long-term running costs. Getting this right can help you avoid unpleasant surprises when your quarterly power bill arrives. Whether you are using your credit card or direct debit, knowing your total costs upfront gives you greater confidence when choosing a fridge.
Fridge Energy Efficiency & Running Costs: What to Check Before You Rent
Think about the appliances in your kitchen right now. Your washing machine runs a few times a week, and your microwave only works for a few minutes a day. Your fridge is a completely different story. It operates continuously, day and night, working hard to keep your food safe and fresh. Because it never actually turns off, energy efficiency becomes a massive factor for anyone paying household electricity bills.
The Australian Energy Rating Label exists to give you clear, upfront information about exactly how much power a specific model will consume over a year. Using this label helps you make smart, informed decisions before you sign a consumer lease or commit to a rental plan. We know that every dollar counts, so taking a moment to understand these ratings can make a real difference to your household budget over a 36-month or 48-month term.
What Does a Fridge Energy Star Rating Mean?
You’ve probably seen the familiar red and yellow Energy Rating Label on fridges in stores or online. Australia’s Energy Rating Label uses a star system to show how energy efficient an appliance is compared with similar models, helping consumers make more informed purchasing or rental decisions.
In general, a higher fridge energy star rating indicates better energy efficiency and the potential for lower electricity consumption. However, these ratings should only be compared between fridges of the same type and similar size. For example, a large six-star family fridge may still use more electricity overall than a compact three-star model because it has a much larger space to cool.
It’s also important to remember that the star rating is a comparative measure rather than a direct estimate of your household’s electricity use. To understand what a fridge is likely to cost to operate, compare both the star rating and the annual energy consumption shown on the Energy Rating Label. Newer models often combine higher efficiency ratings with improved compressor technology and insulation, making them more economical to run than many older appliances.
How Fridge Size Affects Running Costs
It is tempting to choose the biggest appliance available, especially if you have a growing family or like to stock up on groceries. However, larger fridges generally consume more electricity because they have to cool a greater internal space. Every extra litre of capacity requires additional energy to maintain a safe, consistent temperature.
That said, fridge running costs are influenced by more than size alone. Energy efficiency varies between models, so a newer, well-designed fridge may cost less to run than an older appliance with a lower purchase price. Choosing a capacity that matches your household is often the smartest way to balance storage needs with ongoing electricity costs.
If you’re unsure what capacity is right for you, read how to size a fridge to your household before comparing different models.
What to Look for on the Energy Rating Label
Australia’s Energy Rating Label provides several pieces of information that can help you compare similar appliances.
- Star rating – Indicates how energy efficient the appliance is compared with similar models in the same category.
- Annual energy consumption (kWh/year) – Estimates how much electricity the appliance uses over a year under standard testing conditions.
- Appliance type – Confirms the fridge category so you’re comparing like-for-like models.
- Model details – Identifies the exact appliance when researching specifications or comparing products.
Rather than relying on the star rating alone, compare it alongside the annual energy consumption figure. Together, these details provide a more realistic picture of what the appliance is likely to cost to operate over time.
What Does an 8-Star Fridge Look Like in Practice?
Modern refrigerators have become significantly more energy efficient thanks to advances in compressor technology, insulation, and temperature management. A Hisense 8 star fridge is a good example of how these improvements can reduce everyday electricity use while still providing generous storage capacity.
For example, our 8-star bottom mount fridge demonstrates what a high-efficiency appliance looks like in practice. While the right model always depends on your household size and storage needs, choosing a higher-rated appliance can help reduce ongoing electricity costs throughout your rental period.
Choosing an Energy-Efficient Fridge Rental
Choosing an energy-efficient fridge rental isn’t simply about selecting the appliance with the highest star rating. It’s about finding the right balance between capacity, efficiency, and your household’s everyday needs.
Start by choosing a fridge that’s appropriately sized for your home, then compare the Energy Rating Labels of similar models. Looking at both the weekly rental cost and the estimated annual electricity consumption gives you a much clearer understanding of the total cost of running the appliance over time.
Final Thoughts
The weekly rental payment is only one part of the overall cost of having a fridge in your home. By understanding the Energy Rating Label, comparing similar models, and selecting the right capacity for your household, you can make a more informed decision that helps keep both your rental payments and electricity bills under control.
Browse our full range of fridges for rent to compare different capacities and energy-efficient models that suit your home and budget.
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Reviewed by
Dean Hawes has more than nine years’ experience in Australia’s consumer leasing industry and reviews our content to help ensure it is accurate, practical and up to date. Drawing on his expertise in consumer leasing, affordability assessments, and household appliance and furniture rental, he helps Australians make informed leasing decisions.