Why do some washing machines with a better star rating use more electricity?
The Energy Ratings take into account the capacity (load size) and the spinning performance of the washing machine (ie how much moisture is left in clothes after spinning). A larger machine will use more energy but it will appear more “efficient” (less energy per kg clothes washed for a full load). A model that has a better spin performance may get a marginally higher star rating than a model of the same capacity and energy consumption but with a poor spin performance. Spinning performance is taken into account for washer star ratings because it is assumed some consumers will use a clothes dryer to dry their clothes. A good spin performance in a washing machine will reduce the energy consumed by a clothes dryer and will also reduce air drying time on the clothes line.
