Buyer's Guide

With energy costs continuing to rise and new MEPS and energy-labelling changes coming into effect in 2026, more Kiwi are paying close attention to the energy efficiency of their appliances. Choosing the right energy rating isn’t just about saving on power bills – it’s about future-proofing your purchase, reducing your carbon footprint and making a smart long-term investment for your home.

So what energy rating should you actually be looking for when shopping for appliances in New Zealand? Let’s break it down in a simple, practical way.

Understanding Energy Ratings in New Zealand

Most major household appliances sold in NZ come with an official Energy Rating Label. This is a government-regulated system designed to help you compare how efficient different models are.

The label shows:

1. A star rating (the more stars, the more energy efficient)

2. Estimated annual energy consumption (in kWh)

3. Appliance type and model information

In short, more stars = lower running costs over time.

For most appliances, you should aim for at least a 4 to 5-star energy rating, but higher is always better if your budget allows. Many modern appliances now offer 6 stars or more, especially in categories like fridges, washing machines and heat pump dryers.

What Are MEPS and Why Do They Matter?

MEPS stands for Minimum Energy Performance Standards. These are government regulations that set the minimum efficiency level appliances must meet before they can be sold in New Zealand.

From 2026, MEPS requirements are being tightened across multiple appliance categories. This means:

1. Less efficient models will be phased out

2. New appliances must meet higher efficiency standards

3. Consumers will benefit from better long-term power savings

If you buy an appliance that already exceeds current MEPS standards, you’re essentially future-proofing your purchase ahead of these changes.

What Star Rating Should You Choose?

While the “best” rating depends on the appliance type, here’s a practical guide for NZ households:

For fridges and freezers, aim for 4.5 stars or higher. These appliances run 24/7, so energy efficiency has a huge impact on your power bill.

For washing machines, look for 4 stars or above, and check the water efficiency rating too – especially important for large families.

For dishwashers, 4 stars is a solid benchmark, but premium models can reach 5 stars or more.

For dryers, heat pump models are the most energy efficient option and usually come with higher star ratings than condenser or vented dryers.

For air conditioners and heat pumps, the higher the star rating for both heating and cooling, the cheaper they’ll be to run.

Why Higher Energy Ratings Save You More

While high-efficiency appliances may cost more upfront, they almost always save you money in the long run. Lower power consumption means:

1. Reduced electricity bills

2. Less strain on the grid

3. Lower environmental impact

Over the lifespan of an appliance, those savings can easily outweigh the initial purchase price difference.

Energy Labels Are Changing in 2026

From 2026, New Zealand’s energy labelling system is being updated to better reflect modern appliance efficiency. This means:

1. Some appliances may be re-rated

2. Star scales may be adjusted

3. New labels will be easier to understand and compare

An appliance that is 5 stars today might look different under the new system, so always check the kWh usage figure as well – this shows real-world energy consumption.

Extra Tips for Kiwi Shoppers

When shopping for energy efficient appliances in NZ:

1. Compare similar models – a higher star rating only matters within the same category

2. Look at annual kWh usage, not just star ratings

3. Consider your household size and usage habits

4. Ask about government rebates or energy provider incentives (these change often)

Final Thoughts

If you’re buying appliances in New Zealand, the short answer is: choose the highest energy rating you can comfortably afford. With MEPS tightening and energy prices unlikely to drop anytime soon, investing in efficient appliances now will pay off for years to come.

If you’d like help choosing the right model for your home, pop in and chat with our team – we’re always happy to help you find an appliance that suits your lifestyle, budget and energy goals.