Clothes Washers

 

Clothes washers are required to display energy rating labels. Importers and manufacturers may not sell clothes washers unless they are tested and comply with the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002.

Manufacturers and importers must ensure that the appropriate energy rating label is supplied with each dryer. Retailers are obliged to display the label on the front of any washer offered for sale. The clothes washer label shows the energy consumption for cold and hot wash cycles.

Registration*

All products must be registered and undergo a performance test. New Zealand operates a joint energy efficiency programme with Australia, sharing standards and a website. Models registered in Australia do not need extra registration to be sold in New Zealand.
It’s free to register products. To check which products are registered see the Australian energy rating website.

Standards

AS/NZS 2040.1:2005 describes the testing process and AS/NZS 2040.2:2005 describes the labelling requirements for clothes washers. Standards are available on the Standards New Zealand website.

Sales data

In order to track the effectiveness of Energy Rating Labels and MEPS, importers and manufacturers are required to supply EECA with annual sales data and efficiency information.

* Although the term ‘registration’ is used here, the legal requirement in New Zealand is to ‘complete and submit the prescribed forms’. Requirements to register apply only to suppliers in Australia, but completing and submitting the forms on the online database at www.energyrating.gov.au to the New Zealand regulator fulfils requirements here.

Labels to include standby power

From 1 April 2007, the energy efficiency label that currently appears on dishwashers and washing machines will include standby power. Standby power is the energy used by an appliance while it’s plugged in but not being used. >>Further information on new labels for dishwashers and washing machines.