Why You Need to Invest in Energy-Efficient Appliances Right Now

A typical Australian household now spends $2330 on electricity every year.

So, selecting energy-efficient appliances with high star ratings can significantly impact your energy costs and bills. That’s why we have compiled a list of standout 2026 appliances with top energy ratings, from air conditioners to laundry appliances to dishwashers, to help efficiency‑minded Aussies cut utility bills.

Making smarter choices and understanding your lifestyle can help choose energy-efficient heating options for your home while reducing electricity bills and minimising your carbon footprint. In this guide, we discuss energy-efficient appliances, benefits of energy-efficient appliances, and how to choose the right one with models from Hisense, Beko, Bosch, AEG, & ASKO.

What are energy-efficient appliances?

Energy-efficient appliances in Australia consume less electricity and water while delivering similar, or in some cases better, performance. They reduce utility bills and minimise your carbon footprint. They often include advanced features such as AI-load sensing, auto-dosing, or inverter motors to eliminate waste.

In Australia, energy-efficient appliances are strictly regulated and standardised.

How can I find out if an appliance is energy efficient?

You can use the National Energy Rating Label as your shortcut to find out if an appliance is energy efficient. More stars, in simple terms, mean an appliance does the same job with less electricity or gas than similar models. Tools like the Australian Government’s Energy Rating Calculator let you compare annual and 10‑year running costs, so paying a bit more for a 5‑ or 6‑star machine can be an investment that pays back every year through lower bills. Or you can also use Eco Buddy to understand consumption levels and potential savings.

Zoned Energy Rating Label

The Zoned Energy Rating Label helps you make informed choices when you’re buying an air conditioner or system. It offers important information about the system when it operates for a year in each climate zone.

The Zoned Energy Rating Label provides a seasonal efficiency rating for three distinct climate zones across Australia and New Zealand.

Water Rating Label

Dishwashers need to display a Water Rating Label under the Water Efficiency Labelling and Standards scheme.
The scheme was introduced in Australia in 2005 to encourage efficient domestic water use and reduce demand for drinking water in Australia by informing consumers about water efficiency.

Why should you consider energy-efficient appliances?

Australia has some of the most expensive energy bills in the world, so improving energy efficiency and sustainability will reduce this cost for all.

With insufficient energy-efficiency standards, many Australians are living in homes or apartments that are too cold in winter or too hot in summer. This means they rely on artificial heating or cooling, resulting in expensive energy bills.

Australian buyers have become sharply aware of how much big appliances contribute to power and water bills, especially as energy prices and climate concerns stay front of mind. Surveys and market reports consistently show that nearly 84% of Australians have experienced bill stress over the last 12 months. Another survey found that 82% of Aussie consumers want to actively engage in sustainable practices and energy efficiency, with a desire to save money.

Picking energy-efficient appliances for your next purchase can help reduce costs, improve sustainability, and benefit your home and lifestyle.

Benefits of energy-efficient appliances

There are several benefits to purchasing energy-efficient appliances:

• Reduced carbon footprint: By reducing usage of fossil-fuel-derived electric appliances, you’re lowering your carbon footprint.

• Less pressure on the grid: Energy-efficient appliances reduce pressure on the grid during peak periods, lowering the risk of power outages.

• Longer lifespan: Newer appliances are built with durable, long-lasting materials.

• Government rebates: Certain state governments are expediting the switch to green, energy-efficient appliances with generous rebates.

We have discovered 5 standout energy-efficient appliances for 2026 that combine high efficiency with practical everyday features, making them strong picks for households who care about both comfort and long‑term savings.

HISENSE 2.5kW Air Q Series Reverse Cycle Split System (HAWU9KR) : Efficient comfort for small rooms

Best for: Smaller homes, apartments or single rooms where you want reverse‑cycle comfort without a major hit to the power bill.

The Hisense 2.5kW Air Q Series Reverse Cycle Split System (HAWU9KR)  is designed for bedrooms, home offices or compact living rooms where comfort and running costs both matter.

Designed for strong performance, Air Q offers powerful heating and cooling while consuming less energy. With strong Australian energy ratings, this is a worthy contender for anyone looking for energy efficient heating or cooling.

Great for small to medium-sized rooms and apartments, Hisense’s Air Q Series combines inverter technology with features such as self‑cleaning, air purification and smart connectivity on broader ranges, helping maintain efficiency over time and giving you more control over how and when you use cooling and heating. For efficiency‑minded buyers, the key advantage is year‑round climate control with relatively low electricity use compared to less efficient systems of similar capacity.

BEKO 12kg Front Load Washing Machine (BFLB123ADG) : Big‑capacity washer with 5‑star energy rating

Best for: Larger families or shared households that want to run big, regular loads while keeping energy and water usage in check.

Washing machines and dryers are power-hungry appliances, responsible for 14% of your electricity bill and energy usage. So, choosing an energy-efficient washing machine can significantly reduce household consumption.

While they cost more upfront, most front-loading washing machines consume less power, water, and detergent than top loaders.

The BEKO 12kg Front Load Washing Machine (BFLB123ADG)  pairs a large 12kg capacity with a 5‑star energy rating and around 296 kWh per year energy use, plus a 4‑star water rating at roughly 124 litres per wash under test conditions.

Features like AutoDose detergent, inverter motor technology and energy‑saving cycles (including cold‑wash and eco options) are designed to reduce waste by using only as much power, water and detergent as needed. For households that run multiple loads a week, especially large families, that combination of capacity and efficiency means fewer cycles and lower per‑load running costs.

BOSCH 8kg Heat Pump Dryer (WQB235B8AU) : Advanced heat pump technology with 10‑star rating

Best for: Households that use their dryer often but want to reduce the energy cost of each cycle.

Dryers have historically been energy‑heavy, but modern heat pump models can dramatically reduce consumption. A good heat pump dryer will use as little as a third of the energy vs. a vented dryer.

The Bosch 8kg Heat Pump Dryer (WQB235B8AU) is a strong example, offering a 10‑star energy rating and quoted annual energy use of just 98 kWh, which is significantly lower than conventional vented or condenser dryers.

Bosch’s ActiveAir technology recycles heat inside the system rather than dumping it into the room, helping cut electricity use while gently drying fabrics. Multiple programs, sensor drying and fabric‑care features aim to prevent over‑drying, which also saves energy and extends clothing life. For efficiency‑driven buyers who still rely on a dryer regularly, that combination of 10‑star performance and fabric care is compelling.

AEG 9kg 9000 Series Heat Pump Dryer (T959M6ORS) : Advanced fabric care in a 9-star heat pump dryer

Best for: Energy‑conscious households willing to invest in a premium dryer that pairs low power use with advanced fabric‑care technology.

The AEG 9kg 9000 Series Heat Pump Dryer (T959M6ORS) sits at the premium end of the efficiency spectrum, with an impressive 9‑star energy rating and annual energy consumption quoted around 129 kWh. That makes it one of the more efficient large‑capacity dryers available, especially for buyers who prioritise both low running costs and high performance.

AEG equips this model with features such as 3D‑Scan technology, which reads moisture deep within fabrics to adjust drying , and ProSteam, which reduces wrinkles and can refresh clothes with less intensive cycles. Wi‑Fi connectivity and convenience features like time‑remaining display and time-delay also help you run cycles when it suits your tariff or schedule.

ASKO Logic 82cm XL 16pl Built-in Dishwasher (DBI565IK.BS.AU) : Quiet, water‑efficient dishwasher

Best for: Medium‑to‑large families who want a spacious, quiet dishwasher that saves both water and energy across regular daily use.

Dishwashers are another silent contributor to bills, especially if they’re older or run multiple times per week. Most dishwashers can last up to 10 years, so it is essential to choose a model that is energy and water-efficient and also cost-effective. They are not just a labour-saving appliance; they are more energy and water-efficient than handwashing. Dishwashers use a fraction of the water of washing in the kitchen sink.

Dishwashers are rated separately for water and energy efficiency.

The ASKO Logic 82cm XL 16 pl Built‑in Dishwasher (DBI565IK.BS.AU)  offers a 4.5‑star energy rating and a standout 6‑star water rating, using around 10.6 litres per wash according to product listings.

With room for 16 place settings, multiple programs including Eco and Auto, and convenience features such as load sensing, delay start and quiet operation at around 40 dB, this dishwasher aims to do more with less. The strong water rating in particular helps households reduce water consumption, which matters just as much as electricity in many parts of Australia.

Things to consider before choosing energy-efficient appliances

Choosing the right energy-efficient appliance is extremely important as it is an expensive investment. There are certain things to consider before you pick an energy-efficient appliance:

• When choosing an air conditioner, pick a size that will meet your needs. Think about the space you’re looking to cool or heat. Whether you’re looking to heat or cool a single room, a larger space, a living room, or your entire room, you will need the right size.
• Think about building features. What is your wall material, insulation, and windows?
• Consider your climate carefully. If you live in a cool climate, you need a product that can cope in the cold.
• Frequency of use: how often will you use the appliance?
• How much money do you want to spend upfront?
• The size of your family and the size of appliances that will meet your needs.
• How will the dishwasher connect to the water outlet in your home?

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Tips to reduce energy usage

Everyone’s energy use and lifestyle will look different but, the most common household energy use by area and appliances is as below:

There are certain ways to reduce energy usage in your home:

• Switch off appliances at the wall when they are not in use.
• Heat the person, not the home. Instead of using heaters for the home, consider investing in heated blankets or throws.
• Only wash full loads in the dishwasher and let dishes air dry.
• Wash clothes in cold water, as heating water is the biggest energy-user when washing fabric.
• Wash a full load in the washing machine, as machines tend to use the same amount of energy and water for a full load as a partial load.

With nearly 83% of Australians reporting that cost-of-living expenses were keeping them from achieving their goals, it is practical to consider ways to save money and reduce costs. Investing in energy-efficient appliances is a sensible move that not only benefits the consumer personally but also improves community standards and has ripple effects in the system. Save costs, enhance your lifestyle and practice sustainability by purchasing energy-efficient appliances for your home.