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Understand the Zoned Energy Rating Label
Get to know the Energy Rating Label information so you can convey the information to consumers.
Overview
The performance of an air conditioner is affected by the climate in which it operates. For this reason, most air conditioners must have a Zoned Energy Rating Label.
No air conditioners displayed for sale in store should have one of the old Energy Rating Labels. If you see an air conditioner displaying one of the older labels, please contact us.
Reading the Zoned Energy Rating Label
The Zoned Energy Rating Label provides a seasonal efficiency rating for three distinct climate zones across Australia and New Zealand (hot, average and cold). These zone-specific ratings indicate an air conditioner’s performance in different regions with different climates. The Energy Rating Calculator can help you to identify the climate zone in which your home or business is located.
At the top of the label, output capacity is provided for heating at two outdoor temperatures and cooling at one outdoor temperature. Output capacity indicates how much heating or cooling a unit can deliver, in kilowatts (kW), at the given outdoor temperature. The higher the kW value, the more heating or cooling the air conditioner provides. Output capacity is an important consideration for choosing an appropriately sized unit for the space.
The rated output capacity values shown on the label are declared by the manufacturers under the test conditions defined in the Australian/New Zealand Standard.
Estimated annual energy use in kilowatt hours (kWh) is provided on the right of the label, for heating (red) and cooling (blue) in each climate zone. This indicates the amount of electricity consumed per year by the air conditioner during operation.
At the bottom left, the noise in decibels (dB(A)) indicates how much noise is made by the internal and external units of the air conditioner while in operation.
How does the Zoned Energy Rating Label work for portable air conditioners?
A portable air conditioner is a self-contained, freestanding unit intended to cool individual rooms or small spaces.
If the portable air conditioner has only one duct (a single duct portable air conditioner), the label will display no stars. This is because single duct air conditioners are not efficient at cooling a room. While it may feel cool directly in front of the air conditioner, the appliance reduces air pressure in the room. The reduced air pressure will draw warmer air into the space from other areas, counteracting the cooling effect from the air conditioner.
If the portable air conditioner has two ducts (a double duct portable air conditioner), the label will achieve at least half a star for each climate zone.