An energy efficiency rating can help you decide which appliances can minimise your power usage and help you save money.

Most new major appliances come with a yellow energy rating label. The more stars on the label, the more energy efficient the appliance.

The number on the label indicates how many kilowatt hours (kWh) the appliance will use in one year assuming prescribed usage patterns, when tested in accordance with Australian Standards.

Quite simply, the more stars on the label, the more energy efficient the appliance. The lower the kilowatt hours, the less you'll generally spend on power to run that appliance, relative to a similar appliance with a lower star rating.