How to Read a Split System Energy Label

An air conditioner energy label tells you how much heating and cooling the unit puts out and how much electricity it uses to do it. Dividing the output by the input gives you its efficiency, so you can compare models on more than star ratings alone. The label pictured above is an older style label that shows both figures.

Reading the label

On this label you will notice two red and two blue readings. The top two readings show the capacity output in cooling (blue) and heating (red). The bottom two readings show the power input in cooling and heating.

• In cooling mode (top blue box), this air conditioner will output 5.2kW.
• In cooling mode (bottom blue box), this air conditioner will consume 1.58kW.
• In heating mode (top red box), this air conditioner will output 6.7kW.
• In heating mode (bottom red box), this air conditioner will consume 1.63kW.

A split system air conditioner moves far more heat than the electrical energy it consumes.

How to work out the energy efficiency of an air conditioner

The efficiency calculation in cooling mode is called the EER (energy efficiency ratio). In heating mode it is called the COP (coefficient of performance).

How to calculate EER (cooling efficiency)

• In cooling mode, the air conditioner consumes 1.58kW and outputs 5.2kW.
• Divide the output (5.2kW) by the input (1.58kW).
• This split system's EER is about 3.29 to 1.
• In other words, it delivers about 3.3 times as much cooling as the electricity it consumes.

How to calculate COP (heating efficiency)

• In heating mode, the air conditioner consumes 1.63kW and outputs 6.7kW.
• Divide the output (6.7kW) by the input (1.63kW).
• This split system's COP is about 4.1 to 1.
• In other words, it delivers about 4.1 times as much heat as the electricity it consumes.

Comparing products

EER and COP figures are a quick way to compare energy efficiency between air conditioners of a similar size. Many manufacturers publish these figures in their specifications, so gather as much information as you can and compare products side by side.

Efficiency like this is typical of split system air conditioners, and it is the reason split systems are one of the most energy efficient forms of heating and cooling available. To understand why, read what is a reverse cycle air conditioner and what is an inverter air conditioner.

The newer Zoned Energy Rating Label

Since 1 April 2020, most newly registered household air conditioners in Australia have had to display the Zoned Energy Rating Label (ZERL) instead of the older label shown above. The ZERL gives separate star ratings for hot, average and cold climate zones, and most of Victoria, including Melbourne, falls in the cold zone. The label also shows the rated cooling and heating output in kW and the estimated annual electricity use for each zone. Read our guide to the Zoned Energy Rating Label to learn more.

Resources

• Compare registered air conditioners on the Australian Government Energy Rating database
• Read about heating and cooling on the Energy Rating website, including Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS)
• Learn how capacity is measured in BTU, kilowatts or horsepower?

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between EER and COP?

EER (energy efficiency ratio) measures efficiency in cooling mode and COP (coefficient of performance) measures efficiency in heating mode. Both are worked out by dividing the output in kW by the power input in kW.

What do the stars on an air conditioner energy label mean?

The more stars, the more energy efficient the air conditioner compared with similar sized models. The Zoned Energy Rating Label gives 1 to 10 stars for each of the hot, average and cold climate zones.

Which climate zone should Melbourne homeowners look at?

Most of Victoria, including Melbourne, is in the cold zone on the Zoned Energy Rating Label, so look at the cold zone ratings when comparing models.

Where can I compare air conditioner energy ratings?

You can search and compare registered models on the Australian Government Energy Rating database at energyrating.gov.au.

Related guides

Keep reading with these related EZYAIR guides:

• Zoned Energy Rating Labels (ZERL) for Air Conditioners
• What Is an Inverter Air Conditioner?
• What Is a Reverse Cycle Air Conditioner?
• BTU, Kilowatts or Horsepower? Air Conditioner Sizes Explained
• What Are the Best Air Conditioner Brands in Australia?

Talk to EZYAIR

Ezy Air Conditioning & Heating Pty Ltd (EZYAIR) has been helping Melbourne homes and businesses with heating and cooling since 2007. If you have a question about energy labels and efficiency or would like a quote, contact our team or call 1300 399 247, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Our head office and display centre is at 49 Huntingdale Rd, Burwood VIC 3125.