Domestic fridges and freezers
Domestic refrigerators and freezers are required to comply with minimum energy performance standards (MEPS). They are also required to display energy rating labels when displayed for sale.
Amendments to the MEPS and labelling requirements are expected to be phased in from around August 2010, pending final Cabinet approval - these are outlined below.
On this page:
Current MEPS and labelling requirements
Upcoming changes to MEPS and labelling
ENERGY STAR® for fridges and freezers
Current MEPS and labelling requirements
MEPS requirements
Importers and manufacturers may not sell fridges or freezers unless they are tested and registered, and meet or exceed Minimum Energy Performance Standards, in order to comply with the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002.
Labelling requirements
Importers, manufacturers, retailers and people selling new appliances are obligated to ensure that labels are affixed when appliances are displayed for sale.
Refrigerators delivered directly to customers need not display a label but must contain a label (and instructions for application) within or on the packaging.
Regulatory requirements
There are steps you must take to meet the requirements of the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002.
Check out:
Standards
Recent revisions to Standards for fridges and freezers
The relevant Standards below are cited in the Energy Efficiency (Energy Using Products) Regulations 2002. These MEPS state the minimum energy performance requirements for fridges and freezers. Standards are available from www.standards.co.nz.
- Part 1 of the Standard: AS/NZS 4474.1:2007 - This revised test method replaces the previous Standard AS/NZS 4474.1:1997.
- Part 2 of the Standard: AS/NZS 4474.2:2001.
- The Regulations require new products to comply with the updated Standards prior to being listed as available for sale. Up to date Standards are available from Standards New Zealand.
Expected upcoming changes to MEPS and labelling
Revised refrigerator standards are expected to be phased in from around August 2010, pending final Cabinet approval. The key revisions involve changes to the energy rating label and algorithm (the calculation used to determine the rating of an appliance).
The expcted revisions to the MEPS for refrigerators and freezers take into consideration public comment received following the release of a regulatory impact statement (RIS) on this proposal in 2008.
Summary of expected changes:
- From around August 2010: New regulations would apply to all fridges and freezers manufactured or imported into NZ or Australia. At this time, those wanting to continue importing models listed to the old MEPS would need to re-list them to the new MEPS and use new labels.
- Note: Old stock which was listed to the older standard, could be sold and could display the old label until the old stock is depleted, but new stock would have to meet the new requirements.
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The revised label and algorithm requirements are available in the Standard AS/NZS 4474.2: 2009, which is available from Standards New Zealand.
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The revised energy labelling algorithm would decrease current star ratings by about 2 stars, in order to encourage greater efficiency at the higher star ratings.
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A change to the labelling would be needed to reflect the changes to the algorithm. As outlined in the regulatory impact statement, there would be a transition stage to phase in the new label.
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Key revisions to the Standard would also include a 10-star algorithm and a 10-star variation of the energy rating label design, which could be used on qualifying "super efficient" products.
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Other key revisions to the Standard would include a change in the definition of MEPS from a model average energy to a maximum permitted energy, and a reduction in the check testing tolerance from 10% to 7.5% (in order to improve reported energy consumption claims).
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In New Zealand, refrigerators and freezers have been required to list to the new test method in Part 1 of the Standard (AS/NZS 4474.1:2007) since April 2008.
If you have any questions please contact the Products team at EECA on 0800 358 676 or at regs@eeca.govt.nz.
Expected new energy rating labels for fridges and freezers
From around August 2010, pending final Cabinet approval, a new energy rating label for fridges will be required on all new models. Star ratings on new models would be dialled back by about 2 stars to encourage greater efficiency at the higher star ratings. For example, a 6-star model on the current label could become a 4-star model on the new label.
This means new fridges could look worse than older stock for a few months. For about a year a voluntary statement would be allowed to appear on the label to explain the difference eg ‘Rated 5 stars on the old label'. This would also help consumers during the tranisition period.
New energy rating label
New 'crown' for super efficient models
Refrigeration technology is improving every year. In 2010 you may see this label on super energy efficient models in the market. Models that exceed the 6 star energy rating can show an additional 7 to 10 stars. This is voluntary for models that achieve a 7-star or higher rating, but the current 6-star label remains compulsory for all models.
New energy rating label with crown
Check out scope and exemptions for domestic fridges and freezers.
Download a fact sheet on the new energy rating labels.
ENERGY STAR®
EECA has introduced the ENERGY STAR mark on whiteware and other home appliances - including fridges and freezers. This voluntary, international endorsement mark enables consumers to identify which models are the most energy efficient.
Check out more about ENERGY STAR and ENERGY STAR Partners for product listings and more information.
More information
