How to read a split system energy label

How to read a split system energy label

If you take a look at the above energy label, you will notice two red and two blue readings.

The top two readings (red and blue) represent the power output in heating and cooling modes. The bottom two readings (red and blue) represent power input in heating and cooling modes.

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

A split system air conditioner will mechanically output
far more electrical energy than it consumes!

How to work out the energy efficiency of an air conditioner
As you can see, a split system air conditioner will output more energy than it consumes. So how do we work out how efficient a split system is?

This calculation in cooling mode is called EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio)

This calculation in heating mode is called 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).
• Therefore this split systems EER is: 3.41 to 1.
• This means the air conditioner will output 3.41 times as much energy as 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).
• Therefore this split systems COP is: 4.1 to 1.
• This means the air conditioner will output 4.1 times as much energy as it consumes!

This sounds great, but how do I compare products?
The EER and COP readings are the easiest and fastest way for you to compare energy efficiency between air conditioners. Most reputable split system manufacturers include the EER and COP readings on their promotional material. Grab the most information you can get, and compare COP and EER's between products.

Conclusion
This co-efficiency is typical of most split system air conditioners and is the reason why split system air conditioning is one of the most energy efficient forms of heating and cooling available on the market today.

Resources

1. Compare air conditioners through the Australian Government website
2. Browse the Australian Governments' Energy Rating website
3. Read about the Minimum Energy Perfomance Standards (MEPS)

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