ENERGY STAR Appliances in Ontario: What to Buy and When to Replace

Appliances and electronics account for a large share of electricity use in an Ontario home that does not use electricity for heating. Most of that use comes from a handful of items: the fridge, freezer, clothes dryer, cooking, dishwasher and lighting. Choosing efficient models when you replace them is an easy, lasting saving.

This guide explains the labels, gives realistic running-cost estimates, and helps you decide when replacing a working appliance makes financial sense.

Understanding the labels

EnerGuide label (Canada): Required on major appliances sold in Canada, including fridges, freezers, dishwashers, clothes washers, dryers and ranges. It shows the model's estimated annual energy consumption in kWh and a scale comparing it with similar models. Lower kWh is better. Natural Resources Canada administers the program.

ENERGY STAR: A voluntary mark identifying models that meet stricter efficiency requirements than the minimum standard. In Canada, ENERGY STAR is administered by NRCan. ENERGY STAR "Most Efficient" designations highlight top performers in some categories.

Tip: Compare EnerGuide kWh numbers between models of the same size and type. A larger fridge can be ENERGY STAR certified and still use more energy than a smaller, non-certified one.

Estimated running costs by appliance

These figures use an illustrative all-in electricity cost of 15¢/kWh, after the Ontario Electricity Rebate, on Time-of-Use. Your actual cost depends on your local distribution company's delivery rates, your price plan and when you run appliances. Use our appliance energy cost calculator for your own numbers.

Appliance	Older model (estimate)	New ENERGY STAR (estimate)	Approx. annual saving
Fridge, pre-2000 vs new ENERGY STAR	1,000+ kWh/yr (~$150+)	350–450 kWh/yr (~$55–$70)	~$80–$100+
Chest freezer, 1990s vs new	600–900 kWh/yr	200–300 kWh/yr	~$45–$105
Electric dryer, conventional vs heat pump (5 loads/week)	2.5–4 kWh/load: ~650–1,040 kWh/yr	Roughly 50% less: ~325–520 kWh/yr	~$50–$80
Clothes washer, top-load vs front-load ENERGY STAR	Varies; most energy is water heating	Uses far less hot water	Depends on water heating fuel
Dishwasher, pre-2005 vs new	400–600 kWh/yr	230–270 kWh/yr	~$20–$55
Incandescent to LED (20 bulbs, 3 hrs/day)	~1,300 kWh/yr	~200–330 kWh/yr	~$150–$170

LEDs use roughly 75–85% less energy than incandescent bulbs. If you still have incandescent or halogen bulbs in frequently used fixtures, replacing them is the quickest payback in this table.

When to replace a working appliance

Replacing a working appliance early only makes financial sense when the energy saving is large compared with the price. Some rules of thumb:

Appliance	Replace early?
Pre-2000 fridge or freezer	Often worth it, especially if it is a second unit you can retire entirely
Fridge from roughly 2010 onward	Usually not; replace when it fails
Working conventional dryer	Usually not on energy alone; consider a heat pump dryer when it fails
Dishwasher or washer under 15 years old	Usually not
Incandescent and halogen bulbs	Yes, in frequently used fixtures

The biggest single saving in many homes is simply unplugging an old second fridge or freezer in the basement or garage. If you do not need it, have it removed and recycled responsibly; refrigerants must be recovered by someone with the proper certification (such as an ODP certificate holder). Many municipalities and retailers offer pickup.

Buying tips by category

Fridges

• Top-freezer models are generally more efficient than side-by-side or French-door models of the same volume.
• Through-door ice and water dispensers add energy use.
• Buy the size you need; an oversized fridge cools empty space.

Clothes dryers

• Heat pump dryers use roughly half the energy of conventional electric dryers, need no outdoor vent, and are gentler on fabrics. Drying times are longer and prices are higher.
• A high-spin washer removes more water before drying, cutting dryer time.
• Clean the lint filter every load and the vent duct annually.

Cooking

• Induction cooktops are fast, precise and efficient, transferring more energy directly into the pan than conventional electric or gas burners. They need compatible (magnetic) cookware.
• Moving from a gas range to induction also removes a source of combustion by-products from your kitchen. Have a TSSA-registered contractor cap the gas line.
• Converting from gas to electric cooking may need a 240 V circuit and an ESA permit.

Washers and dishwashers

• Most of a washer's energy goes to heating water. Washing in cold water and choosing a front-load or high-efficiency top-load model save the most.
• Run full loads; skip pre-rinsing dishes.

Timing appliance use around Ontario price plans

Many big appliances are flexible about when they run. On Time-of-Use, off-peak is 9.1¢/kWh (commodity) on weekday evenings from 7 p.m., overnight and all weekend. On Ultra-Low Overnight, the 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. window is 3.7¢, but weekday 4 to 9 p.m. is 37.7¢. Running the dishwasher, washer and dryer with delay-start overnight can lower costs, particularly on ULO.

Caution: Do not leave a dryer running overnight or while you are out. Run it when someone is home and awake, and keep the lint trap and vent clean to reduce fire risk.

Compare plans with our electricity price plan calculator.

Rebates

According to Save on Energy, the Home Renovation Savings Program has offered up to $200 for eligible ENERGY STAR appliances, such as fridges, washers, dryers and induction cooktops, through its product route, without a home energy assessment. Eligible models, amounts and how to claim can change, so confirm on saveonenergy.ca before buying. Income-eligible households may receive free appliance upgrades through the Energy Affordability Program. See our Home Renovation Savings Program guide.

Appliance replacement checklist

• Note the age and model number of each major appliance.
• Look up or estimate annual kWh for older units.
• Compare EnerGuide labels on replacement models of the same size.
• Check the qualified-products list and rebate rules before purchase.
• Keep receipts and model information for rebate claims.
• Arrange responsible disposal of old fridges and freezers.

Frequently asked questions

Is a more expensive appliance always more efficient?

No. Price often reflects features and finish. Compare EnerGuide kWh numbers directly.

Should I buy a gas or electric dryer?

Gas dryers cost less per load to run at current gas prices but require venting and gas installation by a TSSA-registered contractor. Heat pump dryers avoid venting and use the least energy of the electric options. The best choice depends on your existing hookups and plans for your home.

How do I know how much my old fridge uses?

Plug it into a plug-in power meter for a week and multiply the result by 52. Old units often surprise their owners.

Do ENERGY STAR appliances last longer?

Not necessarily. Efficiency and durability are separate. Check warranties and reliability reviews alongside energy ratings.