Understanding Australian Energy Star Ratings for Dryers

Every clothes dryer sold in Australia must display an Energy Rating Label—that familiar label with stars and numbers that's meant to help you compare efficiency. But many shoppers glance at the stars without truly understanding what they mean or how to use the information to make better purchasing decisions. This guide explains everything on that label and how to translate it into real-world costs.

Understanding energy ratings isn't just academic—for an appliance you'll use hundreds of times per year for a decade or more, the difference between ratings can translate to thousands of dollars in electricity costs over the dryer's lifetime.

What the Energy Rating Label Shows

The Australian Energy Rating Label for clothes dryers displays several key pieces of information:

Star Rating

The prominent stars across the top indicate the appliance's energy efficiency relative to others in its category. For clothes dryers, the scale typically ranges from 1 to 10 stars, with more stars meaning greater efficiency.

• 1-2 stars: Poor efficiency (entry-level vented dryers)
• 3-4 stars: Below average to average
• 5-6 stars: Good efficiency (better condenser models)
• 7-8 stars: Very good efficiency (heat pump dryers)
• 9-10 stars: Excellent efficiency (premium heat pump models)

Energy Consumption Figure

Below the stars, you'll find a number in kilowatt-hours (kWh) representing estimated annual energy consumption. This figure assumes a standardised usage pattern—typically 200 drying cycles per year (about 4 per week) with a mix of load sizes and fabric types.

Capacity

The label also shows the dryer's capacity in kilograms. This is important because you must compare appliances of similar capacity for the ratings to be meaningful. A 10kg dryer will naturally use more energy per year than a 6kg dryer, even if both have the same star rating.

How Energy Ratings Are Calculated

The star rating isn't arbitrary—it's calculated using the Energy Efficiency Index (EEI), which measures how much energy the dryer uses compared to a reference standard. The testing process involves:

1. Running standardised loads (specific weights and fabric compositions)
2. Measuring energy consumption to achieve defined dryness levels
3. Calculating the EEI based on actual versus reference consumption
4. Assigning stars based on where the EEI falls on the rating scale

This standardised testing ensures you can meaningfully compare dryers, though real-world usage may vary based on your specific laundry habits.

Translating Ratings to Running Costs

The kWh figure on the energy label lets you estimate annual running costs. The calculation is straightforward:

Annual cost = kWh × electricity rate

For example, if your dryer's label shows 400 kWh annual consumption and you pay $0.30 per kWh:

400 kWh × $0.30 = $120 per year

Finding Your Electricity Rate

Check your electricity bill for your per-kWh rate. Australian residential rates typically range from $0.25 to $0.40 per kWh depending on your state, provider, and plan. Note that some plans have different rates for peak and off-peak periods.

The Real Value of Higher Ratings

Higher-rated dryers cost more upfront but save money over time. Let's compare two hypothetical 8kg dryers:

Option A: 3-star condenser dryer

• Purchase price: $800
• Annual energy: 550 kWh ($165/year)
• 10-year total cost: $800 + $1,650 = $2,450

Option B: 8-star heat pump dryer

• Purchase price: $1,500
• Annual energy: 250 kWh ($75/year)
• 10-year total cost: $1,500 + $750 = $2,250

Despite costing $700 more upfront, the efficient dryer saves $200 over ten years and provides a better experience (gentler on clothes, quieter operation). If you keep it 15 years—not unusual for quality appliances—savings grow to $650.

Factors That Affect Real-World Consumption

The energy label provides a useful baseline, but your actual consumption will vary based on:

Usage Frequency

The label assumes about 200 cycles per year. If you dry more or fewer loads, adjust accordingly. Heavy users benefit even more from efficient models.

Load Sizes

Running half-full loads wastes energy. If you consistently under-fill your dryer, you'll use more energy per kilogram of clothing than the label suggests.

Fabric Types

Heavy cotton towels take more energy to dry than lightweight synthetics. Households with lots of heavy laundry may use more energy than predicted.

Spin Speed of Your Washer

Wetter clothes require more drying energy. If your washing machine has a weak spin cycle, your dryer works harder on every load.

Maintenance

A poorly maintained dryer—clogged filters, restricted vents—uses significantly more energy than its rating suggests. Regular maintenance keeps consumption close to rated levels.

Beyond Stars: Other Efficiency Considerations

Sensor Drying

Dryers with moisture sensors automatically stop when clothes are dry rather than running for a fixed time. This prevents over-drying, which wastes energy and damages fabrics. Sensor drying typically saves 10-15% compared to timed drying.

Heat Settings

Using lower heat settings when appropriate reduces energy consumption. High heat should be reserved for heavy cotton items—synthetics and delicates dry efficiently on lower temperatures.

Eco Modes

Many dryers include eco modes that use lower temperatures and longer cycles to achieve the same results with less energy. These are worth using when time isn't critical.

Using Energy Ratings When Shopping

Step 1: Determine Your Capacity Needs

Choose an appropriate size for your household before comparing efficiency. There's no benefit in buying an efficient 10kg dryer if you only need 6kg capacity.

Step 2: Compare Within Your Category

Once you've identified suitable capacity, compare star ratings among those options. Remember that you're comparing efficiency, not total consumption—a 10-star 10kg dryer still uses more energy than a 10-star 6kg model.

Step 3: Calculate Total Cost of Ownership

Use the kWh figure to estimate annual running costs. Add this to the purchase price over your expected ownership period (typically 10-15 years for dryers) to understand true costs.

Step 4: Consider Your Usage Pattern

Heavy users (daily drying) benefit most from efficient models. Light users (occasional rainy-day drying) may not recoup the premium for high-efficiency models within a reasonable timeframe.

The Bottom Line

Energy ratings exist to help you make informed decisions, but they require some interpretation to be useful. The star rating tells you relative efficiency at a glance, while the kWh figure lets you estimate actual costs for your situation.

For most Australian households using their dryer regularly, investing in a high-efficiency model makes financial sense over the appliance's lifetime. The environmental benefits—reduced electricity generation and associated emissions—are a bonus.

Take time to understand the energy label when shopping. A few minutes of calculation can guide you to a choice that saves money for years to come while reducing your household's environmental footprint.