ENERGY STAR appliances use less energy than standard models, but the savings are not equal across the kitchen and laundry room. The biggest wins come from replacing very old refrigerators and freezers, switching to a heat pump clothes dryer, and choosing efficient clothes washers that save hot water and drying time. Newer dishwashers and small appliances save less, so replacing a working unit just for efficiency rarely pays off.
Key takeaways
- ENERGY STAR is administered in Canada by Natural Resources Canada; certified products meet efficiency levels above the federal minimum.
- The yellow-and-black EnerGuide label shows annual energy use in kWh, which is the number to compare.
- Old refrigerators, especially a second fridge in the basement or garage, are often the easiest savings in the house.
- Heat pump dryers use far less electricity than conventional electric dryers.
- Replacing working appliances purely for energy savings rarely pays back quickly; upgrade when they wear out.
How ENERGY STAR and EnerGuide work
Every major appliance sold in Canada has to meet federal minimum efficiency standards. ENERGY STAR certification goes beyond that minimum, and the ENERGY STAR Most Efficient designation highlights the top performers in a category each year.
The EnerGuide label shows a model's estimated annual energy consumption in kilowatt-hours (kWh), along with a scale comparing it to similar models. Two tips:
- Compare models of the same size and type. A large French-door fridge with an ice maker will use more than a compact top-freezer.
- Multiply the kWh by your all-in electricity price to estimate annual running cost. Our guide on how to read your electricity bill shows how to find that price.
Where the savings really are
| Appliance | Typical savings opportunity | When to upgrade |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator (15+ years old) | High: older units can use far more than new ENERGY STAR models | When it fails, or now if very old |
| Second fridge or chest freezer | High: often removing it saves the most | Consider unplugging or consolidating |
| Clothes dryer (electric) | High if switching to a heat pump dryer | At end of life |
| Clothes washer | Moderate to high: less hot water and faster drying via higher spin | At end of life |
| Water heater | High if switching to a heat pump water heater | At end of life, before it fails |
| Dishwasher | Low to moderate: mainly water and hot water | At end of life |
| Dehumidifier | Moderate: runs for long hours in many basements | At end of life |
| Small appliances | Low | Rarely worth replacing for efficiency |
Refrigerators and freezers
Refrigerators run around the clock, so efficiency differences add up. Efficiency standards have improved dramatically over the decades, which means a fridge from the 1990s or early 2000s can use far more electricity than a modern ENERGY STAR model. The single easiest saving in many Canadian homes is the old "beer fridge" in a garage or basement; unplugging it, or replacing it with a small efficient unit, can cut a noticeable chunk from your annual bill. Some utilities run appliance pick-up and recycling programs for old fridges and freezers.
Clothes dryers
Conventional electric dryers are among the biggest electricity users in many homes. Heat pump dryers recycle heat instead of venting it outdoors and typically use roughly half the electricity or less. They take a little longer per load and cost more up front, but they need no exterior vent, which is useful in condos and when you are tightening up your home.
Clothes washers
Most of a washer's energy goes into heating water. ENERGY STAR front-loaders and high-efficiency top-loaders use less water, and their faster spin removes more moisture, which shortens drying time. Washing in cold water saves even more, regardless of the model.
Water heaters
Hot water is often the second-largest energy use in a home after space heating. A heat pump water heater can use a fraction of the electricity of a conventional electric tank. It is a core part of any room-by-room electrification plan.
When replacement makes sense
The decision mostly comes down to age and condition:
- Failed or failing appliance: always buy ENERGY STAR; the price premium is usually small.
- Very old fridge or freezer (15+ years): replacement can pay back reasonably quickly.
- Working appliance under 10 years old: usually keep it; the embodied energy and cost of a new unit outweigh small savings.
- Planning to electrify: if you are leaving gas, plan heat pump dryers, induction cooking and heat pump water heaters into your timeline. Our post on induction cooking covers the kitchen.
Habits that multiply savings
- Set the fridge to about 3–4°C and the freezer to about −18°C.
- Leave space behind the fridge and vacuum the coils occasionally.
- Wash in cold water and run full loads.
- Clean the dryer lint filter every load.
- Use the dishwasher's eco mode and skip heated drying.
- If you pay time-of-use rates, run laundry and dishwashers off-peak.
Rebates and responsible disposal
Provincial and utility programs regularly offer instant rebates or mail-in rebates on ENERGY STAR appliances, and some offer free pick-up of old working fridges and freezers. Programs change often, so check your address on our rebate finder. When you replace an appliance, make sure the old one is properly recycled; refrigerants and foam in fridges and freezers need special handling. For the bigger picture of which upgrades to tackle first, see our home energy page.
Frequently asked questions
Is ENERGY STAR worth the extra cost?
Usually yes, for appliances that run often or for long hours, like fridges, freezers, washers, dryers and dehumidifiers. The price gap is often small, and you get lower running costs for the appliance's whole life.
How do I know how old my fridge is?
Look for the model and serial number plate inside the door or on the back. The manufacturer's website or customer service can usually decode the manufacture date from the serial number.
Do ENERGY STAR appliances perform as well?
Yes. Certified products must perform their job properly while using less energy. Some, like heat pump dryers, work differently and may take a little longer per cycle.
The bottom line
ENERGY STAR is a reliable shortcut, but the real savings are concentrated in a few places: old fridges and freezers, electric dryers, washers and water heaters. Upgrade those when they wear out or are very old, retire the spare fridge if you can, and pair efficient equipment with good habits to get the most from every kilowatt-hour.
Sundamentals is an independent, non-profit education platform. Program details and prices change often — check current programs for your address in our rebate finder.