The appliance replacement offer has closed
The NSW appliance replacement offer ended in June 2021 and orders for replacement appliances can no longer be placed. There are currently no plans for another appliance replacement program. The NSW Government continues to help households ease the cost of living with more than 70 rebates and savings. You can browse NSW rebates and savings at Service NSW.
As they consume energy 24 hours a day, it’s important to think outside the icebox and choose a model that will save power.
Aim for the stars
When you buy your new appliance, look for the Energy Rating Label.
There are two things to check – the star rating and the energy consumption number. Make sure you are comparing similar sized models.
Check the stars. The more stars, the more efficient it will be. Every extra star can save you hundreds of dollars over the life of your appliance.
Second, look at the red box on the label. It has a number that shows how many kWh of electricity it will use in one year. The lower the number, the cheaper it will be to run.
Tips for buying an energy efficient fridge or freezer
Look for a minimum of three stars.
If your fridge is regularly less than two-thirds full it’s probably too big and you are wasting electricity.
The most energy efficient fridge has a freezer on top.
There are ‘smart’ fridges on the market. Some come with sensors that detect when a door isn’t shut properly.
Do you really need an ice maker and water dispenser? They can increase a fridge’s energy use by up to 20%.
Use your fridge wisely
Fridges operate best when they are full.
Check the door seal is tight. Test it by closing the door on a piece of paper. If it slides out easily when you pull it, it means air is leaking.
Use the Energy Rating Calculator
Using the Energy Rating Calculator lets you compare the expected running costs of different models before you buy.
Recycling
When replacing your fridge or freezer, consider recycling the old one. Search Recycling near you to find your closest recycling point.