Appliances account for approximately 30% of household energy use, meaning that there is significant potential for energy-efficient appliances to bring down bills for households. However, many consumers struggle to navigate vague, misleading, or incomplete information about these appliances, making it difficult for them to make informed choices and realise these benefits. Additionally, existing labelling standards are inconsistently applied, enforcement is uneven, and retailers are often not held accountable for the quality or clarity of information they provide.
To address this gap, the Consumer Policy Research Centre (CPRC) conducted research to identify what information consumers need to make informed, energy-conscious decisions when purchasing major household appliances. The study found that consumers seek clear and credible guidance on product durability, verification of green claims, transparency about long-term value, and clear recourse if a product fails.
Building on these insights, CPRC is advocating for reforms to large household appliance labelling and disclosure at the point of sale so that consumers can be better informed. Additionally, they are calling for stronger requirements about how energy related information is provided when these products are advertised and sold. This will improve consumer confidence, support household savings, and contribute to Australia’s broader energy transition by enabling more sustainable purchasing choices.
Key Recommendations
The report's top recommendations are summarised below.
- Regulate Green Claims
- Ban vague terms like “eco-friendly” and “sustainable” without proof
- Require manufacturers to submit evidence before using environmental claims
- Create independent oversight of claim accuracy - Mandate Appliance Information
- Require disclosure of expected appliance lifespan
- Establish standardised durability ratings
- Mandate clear repairability information and scores
- Enhance energy rating labels to include lifetime running costs - Strengthen Consumer Rights
- Require energy efficiency training for sales staff
- Expand right-to-repair protections
- Elevate national awareness of energy rebate programs
- Strengthen regulator powers to enforce consumer guarantees - Introduce Product Stewardship & Industry Accountability
- Broaden the objectives of the Product Stewardship Act 2011
- Create government-backed accreditation for voluntary industry-led product stewardship schemes
- Establish independent oversight of manufacturer environmental and durability claims - For Industry: Require Transparency
- Show true lifetime energy costs, not just star ratings
- Provide accessible repair manuals and spare parts information
- End extended warranties that offer no additional value - Design for Longevity
- Build appliances that can actually be repaired
- Meet minimum environmental standards
- Include software update guarantees for smart appliance
