Most Energy Efficient Air Conditioners For 2022 | Compared

If you are considering purchasing an air conditioner, there are a range of important factors to consider. These include:

• The type of system you need — wall/window, split system, multi-split or ducted. You should also consider whether you want an inverter, non-inverter or reverse cycle model and whether you want it to both heat and cool.
• Its capacity — in terms of kilowatts. When it comes to split systems, small rooms (like bedrooms) usually require a 2.5kW system, whereas large, open-plan areas may need 6kW or more.
• Running costs — things to consider include choosing a model with the most suitable capacity for your home, choosing a system with an “Eco Mode”, and setting the right temperature (on hot days, the ideal temperature is 24°C, and in winter, 19°C).
• Features and functions — consider a model with multiple fan speeds and a wide airflow range and a thermostat that allows you to set your air conditioner to deliver the target temperature. Generally, you just set your desired room temperature, and the thermostat measures the indoor temperature and adjusts the air conditioner output accordingly.

However, with appliances accounting for around 30 percent of our home energy use and electricity bills set to increase, energy efficiency is becoming increasingly important.

The Australian Government’s Equipment Energy Efficiency (E3) Program focuses on a range of products to increase their energy efficiency, save money on bills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

In this guide, we provide some recommendations on the most energy efficient air conditioners in terms of split systems and ducted air conditioning. But first, let’s look at how energy efficiency is measured in air conditioners.

Energy rating labels

Split system air conditioners in Australia are required to carry an energy rating label. Ducted systems work differently. It is not mandatory for them to have energy efficiency rating labels, however, they do have to meet minimum energy performance requirements (more on that below).

Energy rating labels on split systems are visually represented by colours and stars. Red represents the heating function and blue the cooling function. Essentially, the more stars a unit has, the more energy efficient it is. And although a higher energy rating can often equate to a higher purchase price, the ongoing electricity costs to run it often lead to savings in the future. Both “Heat Stars” and “Cool Stars” are issued by the Australian GEMS Regulator.

How is air conditioner “energy” measured?

The output in kilowatts (kW) reflects the heating and cooling capacity of the area an air conditioner could work in. The output is an important consideration because units that are too large for a space will be less energy efficient. Units that are too small for a space will have to work harder to cool or heat and may be unable to reach and maintain an optimal temperature. Here’s our guide on determining what size split system you might need.

How do I read the energy efficiency rating labels?

Energy Rating Labels (ERL) were first introduced to Victoria and New South Wales in 1986. In 1992, it became mandatory for all states to use them, and they were regulated by the Australian government.

Manufacturers or suppliers of new air conditioner models that were imported, offered or supplied after 1 April 2020 were required to display the new label — the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) — on their products. The new labels are generated automatically by the online registration portal when a product is registered.

The change was introduced to provide consumers with more information and expected energy use for air conditioners based on where they live. Some air conditioners will be required to display the ZERL when they are on display in store. Current models for sale or display in stores may have registrations that run through to 2025 and can continue to use the old Energy Rating Label (ERL) until their registration expires. Over time, the old label for air conditioners will be replaced by the ZERL.

The old Energy Rating Label (ERL)               The new Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL)

To compare the efficiency of the star rating labels on different split system air conditioners, you should:

• compare products of the same or similar size
• not compare the star rating on the old label versus the newer Zoned Energy Rating Labels.

There are two numbers you should look at —Power Input kW (which tells you how much power it needs to run) and Capacity Output kW (which lets you know the amount of cooling and heating the model can produce).

In terms of the old label, you can find the “size” of the air conditioner in the middle of the label in the capacity output box. The capacity output figures on an air conditioner label will let you know the amount of cooling and heating the model can produce. These are the figures you should check are of similar value when comparing star ratings.

On the Zoned Energy Rating Label, you can find the size/capacity in a strip near the top of the label.

What are the main differences between the two energy labels?

The essential difference between the two is that the Zoned Energy Rating Label provides a seasonal efficiency rating for three distinct climate zones across Australia and New Zealand, providing consumers with better information and enabling them to select a product that would perform better and save energy. The ZERLs are a little more complicated, so you can find out more about how to read them here.

In terms of key features:

In terms of performance calculations:

Energy efficient AC – How many stars should I settle for?

In terms of energy efficient AC, most air conditioners have a star rating of between 1 and 6 stars, but as technology improves, so does energy efficiency. Essentially, the more stars, the better! However, you should also consider the other factors we mentioned above.

Most energy efficient air conditioners

Split systems—energy efficiency comparison

In terms of split system air conditioners, choosing the right system for the space you need to cool and heat is vital. So if you’re not sure, here’s our handy guide if you are asking the question, “What size split system do I need?”

Once you have determined the size you need based on its capacity in kilowatts (kW) – the standard unit of how power is measured — you have a starting point in terms of determining which systems may be the most efficient.

However, there is a huge range of split systems on the market and identifying the most energy-efficient ones can be challenging. Established in 2008, Green Wire Consulting is an engineering practice formed to provide advice in the growing field of energy efficiency.

Here are their recommendations based on the most energy efficient split systems available in the Australian market as of February 2019. Although the data is a few years’ old, it is still relevant given that new models aren’t typically released every year. It’s worth noting, however, that newer release models may be available, so individual brands’ websites can supply more information. We have also recommended brands that are the top performing ones in the market. If you want to consider other brands, you can view their report here.

Small systems (2-2.5kW range)

Medium systems (3.2-5kW range)

Large systems (6-10kW range)

Ducted systems—energy efficiency comparison

Ducted systems work a little differently in terms of the energy efficiency information available. Although some manufacturers label their products, it is not mandatory for ducted air conditioners to have energy efficiency rating labels.

However, they do have to meet minimum energy performance requirements, which is currently at 3.10 Annualised Energy Efficiency Ratio (AEER) and/or Annualised Coefficient of Performance (ACOP) for Australia. The rating is determined by the Annual Energy Efficiency Ratio (AEER) applicable for cooling and the Annual Coefficient of Performance (ACOP) which is applicable to heating. The AEER and ACOP are annual operating energy outputs which are divided by the sum of annual operating and non-operating energy inputs. In terms of energy efficiency, it is recommended you talk to the team at H&H, who can provide more insights. Or you can view their energy efficiency performance on the GEMS Registration Database.

In terms of Australia’s top ducted air conditioning models, consumer review and comparison website, Canstar Blue, recommends:

References

• 2022, Air conditioners, energyrating.gov.au
• 2012, Air Conditioners and Energy Efficiency – What You Need to Know, Brisbane Air